Study of the Stability of the Steel Embedded in Mortars Added with Pozzolans

The present study explores the behavior of structural steel embedded in Portland cement mortars and 15, 20 y 25 % natural pozzolan added in partial substitution of the cement, in the presence and absence of 2% Cl- as contaminant. Furthermore was evaluated the influence of the content of pozzolan in the mechanical properties the mortars. Variations were determined in the corrosion potential (Ecorr), linear polarization resistance (Rp) and corrosion current density (icorr) under ≈ 95% relativity humidity conditions during 12 month of exposure. In the absence of Cl-, the pozzolan added in the mortars were able to passivate the steel reinforcement. Steel corrosion in the presence of 2% Cl- and different contents of puzzolan was observed to be similar to corrosion reported for the material in Portland cement mortars.