Stainless steel (SS) reinforcement has been increasingly used in marine substructures due to its superior
corrosion resistance over that of plain carbon steel (CS) despite its greater material cost. While
investigations have thoroughly addressed the reliability of corrosion detection techniques of CS
reinforcement, very little work has addressed the variations in the applicability of these techniques to
stainless steel reinforcement. This study evaluates the sensitivity of traditional corrosion detection
methods such as half-cell potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to stainless steel
corrosion in concrete. Reinforced concrete specimens incorporating either plain carbon steel or stainless
steel were designed to promote macrocell corrosion. The specimens were monitored for corrosion activity
using half-cell potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy without a guard ring. Corrosion
detection sensitivity was assessed by comparison to experimental results of analog specimens in the
form of small concrete cylinders in which the uncertainty in the measurement results is minimized.
Additionally, finite element simulations are used to further specify the limitations of each method. As a
result of this work, modifications to existing methods or recommendation for more suitable methods will
be provided for corrosion detection of stainless-steel reinforced concrete.