Cathodic Protection for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks

Cathodic Protection for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks
Author: Donald R. Jackson (P.E.)
Publisher:
Total Pages: 59
Release: 1982
Genre: Concrete bridges
ISBN:

"Bridge decks are expected to proved relatively maintenance-free service for approximately 40 years. It has been found, however, that some unprotected bridge decks require major repairs within 5 to 10 years, and often must be replaced after 15 years of service. This premature deterioration is frequently the direct result of an accelerated corrosion process on the reinforcing steel caused by the intrusion of deicing chemicals into bridge deck surfaces. A number of bridges on the Federal-aid system do not have a protective system on their decks. If these bridge decks were protected now, significant savings could be realized by avoiding more expensive repairs later. One positive method of stopping the corrosion process in reinforced concrete bridge decks is cathodic protection. Cathodic protection (CP) has been used for many ears to control the corrosion of buried pipelines and structures in saltwater environments. During the past 8 years, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), through its Demonstration Projects Division, has promoted the use of this technology as a means of preserving existing unprotected reinforced concrete bridge decks. Assistance has been provided to requesting highway agencies for the construction and evaluation of 22 cathodic installations in conjunction with Demonstration Project No. 34, Cathodic Protection for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks. This report provides a summary of the information furnished by participating highway agencies; it includes project selection criteria, design considerations, construction procedures and problems, and performance criteria and results"--P. i.

Cathodic Protection of Concrete Bridges

Cathodic Protection of Concrete Bridges
Author: Jack E. Bennett
Publisher: Strategic Highway Research Program (Shrp)
Total Pages: 316
Release: 1993
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN:

This document provides explanation, guidance, and direction concerning cathodic protection of concrete bridge elements to the highway engineer who wants to incorporate cathodic protection in a bridge project. The manual which provides background information on corrosion fundamentals, is divided into 3 parts: design, construction, and operation and maintenance. An appendix provides standard specifications for cathodic protection systems for both decks and substructures. The document is intended to be a useful reference for engineers who design and prepare specifications or who oversee turnkey operations.

Proceedings of the Conference on Cathodic Protection of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks, San Antonio, Texas, February 12-13, 1985

Proceedings of the Conference on Cathodic Protection of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks, San Antonio, Texas, February 12-13, 1985
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 294
Release: 1985
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN:

The conference focused on the major problem facing highway and bridge engineers: deterioration of concrete bridge decks caused by corrosion of the reinforcing steel. The conference was aimed primarily at giving bridge owners and engineers an understanding of cathodic protection as the only means to stop corrosion on bridge decks.

Application of Cathodic Prevention in a New Concrete Bridge Deck in Virginia

Application of Cathodic Prevention in a New Concrete Bridge Deck in Virginia
Author: Gerardo G. ClemeƱa
Publisher:
Total Pages: 46
Release: 2003
Genre: Concrete bridges
ISBN:

Corrosion of reinforcement in concrete bridges has been a major factor in limiting the service life of many such structures. As part of a concerted effort to identify cost-effective options for eliminating corrosion of reinforcement, the application of cathodic prevention was tried in a recently constructed concrete bridge deck. The incorporation of an impressed-current cathodic prevention system in a new concrete bridge deck while it was being constructed was made possible by the use of titanium mesh ribbon anodes coated with mixed-metal oxide. The anodes were spaced 32 cm (13 in.) apart and transversely across the entire bridge deck to allow for the trouble-free placement of the concrete. The system has been operating for almost 2 years with no extraordinary problems. A comparison of the long-term cost of this option with those of other options, such as the use of corrosion-resistant clad bars or stainless steel bars, indicated that this option is not economically favorable.

Iowa System of Bridge Deck Rehabilitation with Cathodic Protection

Iowa System of Bridge Deck Rehabilitation with Cathodic Protection
Author: Champak L. Narotam
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1986
Genre: Bridges
ISBN:

Bridge deck and substructure deterioration due to the corrosive effects of deicing chemicals on reinforcing steel is a problem facing many transportation agencies. The main concern is protection of older bridges with uncoated reinforcing steel. Many different methods have been tried over the past years to repair bridge decks. The Iowa system of bridge deck rehabilitation has proven to be very effective. It consists of scarifying the deck surface, removing any deteriorated concrete, and overlaying with low slump dense concrete. Another rehabilitation method that has emerged is cathodic protection. It has been used for many years in the protection of underground pipelines and in 1973 was first installed on a bridge deck. Cathodic protection works by applying an external source of direct current to the embedded reinforcing steel, thereby changing the electrochemical process of corrosion. The corroding steel, which is anodic, is protected by changing it to a cathodic state. The technology involved in cathodic protection as applied to bridge decks has improved over the last 12 years. One company marketing new technology in cathodic protection systems is Raychem Corporation of Menlo Park, California. Their system utilizes a Ferex anode mesh that distributes the impressed direct current over the deck surface. Ferex mesh was selected because it seemed readily adaptable to the Iowa system of bridge deck rehabilitation. The bridge deck would be scarified, deteriorated concrete removed, Ferex anode mesh installed, and overlaid with low slump dense concrete. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) promotes cathodic protection under Demonstration Project No. 34, "Cathodic Protection for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks."