Beginning 1970, the corrosion cost was evaluated to 3% of world steel production that lead to suppose a deficiency of the knowledge, technology and application of means to avoid it. 20 years later, this estimate was in France close to 23 billions of Euros (4% of PIB – Club 92 conference). A recent evaluation, published in “Materials Performance” of NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers – July 02) indicates a cost of 3% of PIB for the United States. 

Must we conclude that the specialists of corrosion have not succeeded to inform, the technology has not progressed, the means were not used or a lower threshold is reached ?

Each of us has never not stopped to promote its treatment, numerous conferences, symposiums or exhibitions have been devoted to it,  technical papers has never left off  to be published, eminent senior specialists actualised or set technical standards, codes of practice and rules.

The knowledge of corrosion processes, the quality and performances of applied means, the monitoring tools have widely progressed.

Many metallic structures have been subject to corrosion risks study involving the material selection, a treatment of surface exposed to an electrolyte, an inhibition of  electrolyte corrosive agents or a cathodic protection system. However they are still a minority as often the consequence of a statutory, operational or aesthetic obligation.