It is for this reason that the problems of corrosion in buildings cover a very wide range. In this brief article only an outline or classification of the main problems can be given, along with the basic principles, to guide the designer in his efforts to reduce the huge economic loss caused by corrosion. For specific information on the practical problems of corrosion the reader is directed to the extensive work of the various corrosion committees of the ASTM and of the British Iron and Steel Research Association. The National Association of Corrosion Engineers has published the results of much research in the field of corrosion. Corrosion technology is now well established and is taking its place as another branch of engineering.
Specialists are available to give advice on various methods that can be used to prevent corrosion.
Their services can be of great value in the building field, especially if sought during the design stages. Revision of a specification at the planning stage may require only minor changes while changes made after a building has been completed are often very costly. Corrosion refers to any process involving the deterioration or degradation of metal components. The best known case is that of the rusting of steel. Corrosion processes are usually electro-chemical in nature, having the essential features of a battery.