Multiple-electrode method for estimating the polarization resistance in large structures

A new method for estimating the polarization resistance and the corrosion current from the Stern-Geary equation in cases where the applied signal distributes unevenly over a large real structure acting as working electrode is proposed. In addition to measurements of the current response to an applied potential pulse, the new method takes into account the distribution of polarization values over the working electrode (WE) surface. To this end, relevant information is provided by multiple reference electrodes placed at different points on the WE surface. The method allows estimation of the corrosion current for steel rebars embedded in large concrete structures.