Testing of Selected Metallic Reinforcing Bars for Extending the Service Life of Future Concrete Bridges: Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations

US Transportation Collection2002PDFTech ReportCleme\uf1a, Gerardo G.Virginia. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationVirginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC)Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC)VirginiaReinforcing bars--TestingBuilding materials--Service lifeReinforced concrete--TestingService life (Engineering)Concrete bridges--Design and constructionVTRC 03-R7Final report.This report summarizes the major conclusions drawn from its companion reports, which described investigations conducted using a stainless steel-clad bar, selected stainless steel bars (304, 316LN, and duplex 2205), and a carbon steel bar in concrete and in simulated concrete pore solutions (with various concentrations of chloride and pH) to assess the comparative corrosion resistance of the clad bar. The most important conclusion is that stainless steel cladding serves as an excellent protection for the carbon steel core. The clad bars and the solid stainless steel bars tolerated the same concentration of chloride ions without corroding, a level that was at least 15 times more than the corrosion threshold for carbon steel bars. Simple cost comparisons demonstrated that the clad bar is also a cost-effective reinforcement for extending the service life of future concrete bridges. Based on its excellent corrosion resistance and reasonable price, the study recommends that the clad bars be used in the construction of new concrete bridges in Virginia as long as the mechanical and physical characteristics of the bars are at least equivalent to those specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials in ASTM A 615.120