Abstract: The corrosions of the steel reinforcement bars in foundation of power transmission tower structures is one of the key factors that affecting the safe operation of power transmission lines. Among many potential factors, electrochemical properties such as, pH value, Cl concentration and oxygen content are factors that might induce the corrosion of the steel reinforcement bars. This paper presents a case history of corrosion monitoring of the subsurface environmental conditions for the steel reinforcement bars in foundation of power transmission towers in Maoming area. The monitoring results indicated that, the power transmission towers are located in the coastal area so that the pH is slightly alkane and chloride content is high, corrosion of the steel reinforcement bars was observed under the oxygen rich environments.

Key words: power transmission lines, foundation structures, corrosion of steel reinforcement bars, environmental parameters monitoring