Protection of reinforced concrete by surface treatments

There is considerable evidence to suggest that surface treatments to concrete can arrest or reduce deterioration due to corrosion of the reinforcement. The mechanism where this is achieved is not clearly established and there are few standard tests to assess the likely performance of a particular surface treatment. This technical note provides an interim guide for engineers and specifiers to available information and to define further research needs. It outlines the function and the protective and other properties required of a surface treatment and discusses the three methods of classifying the treatments available, comparing test methods and performance.