Richard J. Kessler

Corrosion of Epoxy-Coated Rebar in Marine Bridges Part 1: A 30-Year Perspective

Abstract The corrosion performance over a nearly 30-year service period of epoxy-coated rebar (ECR) in Florida marine bridges is presented. Severe ECR corrosion was noted earlier in several of those bridges, built with relatively high permeability concrete. Corrosion development took place later in some other structures with less permeable concrete, with instances where the corrosion was associated with preexisting cracks. Corrosion was found to be associated with coating imperfections and coating disbondment. Laboratory experiments and modeling indicated that macrocell coupling with remote cathodes was an aggravating factor. Quantitative damage functions relating the observed deterioration with service time of the affected bridges are presented. A predictive corrosion initiation-propagation model was developed and the model output is compared with the field results to identify suitable parameters for forecasting future rehabilitation needs. The prognosis for future corrosion development is discussed, wit...

CATHODIC POLARIZATION AND PROTECTION OF SIMULATED PRESTRESSED CONCRETE PILINGS IN SEAWATER

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of localized cathodic polarization for reducing corrosion of simulated prestressed concrete piles containing continuous and segmen...

Abating corrosion in highway structures due to sea or deicing salts

Corrosion of steel reinforcing bars in concrete bridge structures due to the intrusion of chloride ions from seawater or de-icing salts affects many structures in the nations highway system. Over the past decade cathodic protection has evolved as a promising technology for arresting corrosion. The development of materials, equipment, and methods for applying cathodic protection is in a dynamic state. Through cooperative efforts with academia, industry, and the engineering community, the Florida Deparment of Transportation has developed several innovative corrosion protection systems which incorporate technologies from a wide variety of specialty areas including telemetry, photovoltaics, polymers, and specialty components developed as part of the national defense program. This paper provides an overview of corrosion and cathodic protection technology and focuses on the potential for adaptation of existing technologies into preservation of highway bridge structures.