Corrosion of fasteners in concrete: Literature review and discussion of current test methods

Corrosion damage may impair functioning and capacity of fasteners, hence affecting structures durability. The aim of this paper is to present the existing knowledge on fasteners’ corrosion behavior in concrete. The paper investigates the available literature and discusses the most significant test methods currently in use for the evaluation of fastener’s corrosion performance in concrete (i.e., hydrogen embrittlement, salt spray and sulfur dioxide tests). In this context, design standards and product norms often provide inconsistent requirements, while assessment procedures of non-zinc coatings are left to case-by-case implementation. Moreover, the study of existing test methods revealed that, beside the hydrogen embrittlement test for concrete screws, none of the other considered test methods are specifically conceived to investigate the fastener’s corrosion behavior at the steel-to-concrete connection scale, nor they account for service conditions. Therefore, the significance for both designers and manufacturers of the remarks pointed out in this paper.