FE - Iron Survey

FE = Iron

Rust – iron + water + oxygen    →    hydrated iron(III) oxide = FE³⁺

When FErrous come into contact with oxygen and water they Rust

·         Iron + Carbon = Steel

·         Steel + Concrete = two materials with the same coefficient of expansion = re-inforced concrete = sky scrapers

Protection from rust – Alkalinity, Paint, plastic, Cathode

The principal signs of deterioration and distress within reinforced concrete structures are:

• Cracks
• Spalling
• Pop outs
• Discolouration
• Leaks
• Damp Patches
• Lim-scale
• Re-inforcement corrosion
• Previous repairs
• Location and condition of joints
• Condition of bearings

Period properties often used ferrous metals as ties and as structural elements.

Some mid- war properties of non conventional construction were built structurally of Ferrous structural elements :

Your structural/Building survey should advise you where these elements may be, their expected condition and how to ensure their protection.