Repair and strengthening of corroded reinforced concrete columns using organic corrosion inhibitors and textile reinforced mortar (TRM)

Reinforcement corrosion significantly compromises the durability of concrete structures, demanding effective repair solutions. This study evaluated the performance of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) for repairing corroded small-scale reinforced concrete columns. The TRM systems included carbon and E-glass fibres combined with two distinct mortar matrices, each enhanced using specific organic corrosion inhibitors to improve resistance against corrosion. Key parameters investigated were the type of mortar matrix, reinforcement corrosion levels, and exposure to chloride-induced dry-wet cycles. Half-cell potential measurements were conducted to monitor post-repair corrosion behaviour. The results demonstrated that TRM confinement notably increased compressive strength, with gains of up to 15% at a 10% corrosion ratio. However, strength improvement reduced slightly to 13% at a 30% corrosion ratio. Half-cell measurements indicated that the mortar matrices modified with corrosion inhibitors effectively reduced further corrosion during chloride cycles, highlighting the suitability of TRM as a durable repair solution for corroded structures in aggressive environments.