CATHODIC PROTECTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRACKING OF STEEL TENDONS IN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE. FINAL REPORT

An experimental program has been performed to determine the susceptibility of prestressing steel tendon strand to hydrogen embrittlement, as may occur in response to cathodic protection of concrete structures. This involved constant extension rate testing of both smooth and notched strands in the potential range -0.500 to -1.500 v., which covers the range likely to be employed for both proper and improper cathodic protection. The experiments were performed at a strain rate of 3,960,000/sec in a simulated cement pore water solution (calcium hydroxide-distilled water) of pH 12.5 and also a more diluted solution of pH 8.0. The data reveal that strand embrittlement is minimal for cathodic potentials positive to -1.00 v., suggesting that properly designed and operating cathodic protection systems are appropriate for corrosion control of prestressed systems. Embrittlement was noted, however, for potentials below -1.00 v.; and the implications of this with regard to concrete technology are discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Florida Atlantic University, Dania Beach

  Department of Ocean Engineering, 101 North Beach Road
  Dania Beach, FL  United States  33004

  Florida Department of Transportation

  P.O. Box 1029
  Gainesville, FL  United States  32602

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hartt, W H
  • Chen, T Y
  • Narayanan, P K
• Publication Date: 1988-7-30

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 20 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cathodic protection; Embrittlement; Laboratory tests; Prestressed concrete; Steel; Strain (Mechanics)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Hydrogen embrittlement; Strain rate
• Old TRIS Terms: Steel tendons; Test results
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00481038
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: CMM-FAU-88-01
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 31 1989 12:00AM