Long-term corrosion protection of bridge elements.

https://doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.2017.03PDFTech ReportKTC-17-03/SPR16-513-1FSPR-16-513AdmixturesCorrosion protectionReinforcing barsReinforced concreteConcrete admixturesUnited StatesUniversity of Kentucky Transportation CenterVan Dyke, ChristopherMeade, BobbyWells, DannyPalle, SudhirHopwood II, TheodoreUniversity of Kentucky Transportation CenterUniversity of Kentucky. College of EngineeringKentucky. Transportation CabinetUS Transportation CollectionPreventing or mitigating the corrosion of reinforcing steel in bridge decks is a major challenge for state transportation agencies. With agency budgets stretched thinner every year, they must implement strategies to extend the service lives of bridges and other critical structures. As such, it is imperative for them to adopt cost effective materials and maintenance practices to delay the onset of bridge corrosion. To assist the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in its efforts to improve the condition of its bridges as well as its construction and maintenance practices, researchers at the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) investigated the use and performance of different reinforcing materials, supplementary cementitious materials, and concrete sealers. This document extensively reviews field and laboratory studies of these materials and draws general conclusions about their effectiveness. A survey administered to transportation agencies around the United States revealed that corrosion prevention and mitigation practices vary widely, but that the use of multiple corrosion-inhibition systems is growing. Based on our literature review and analysis of practices used by other state transportation agencies, we recommend the use of multiple corrosion inhibition methods to defend against bridge corrosion. For the construction of new reinforced concrete structures, a multiple approach to corrosion resistance could prove highly beneficial and offer a cost-effective strategy to prolong the service lives of bridges. Recommended actions are proposed for KYTC, which are geared toward strengthening its bridge construction and maintenance program