CORROSION OF MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EMBANKMENT REINFORCEMENTS. FINAL REPORT

This project addressed two separate concerns relating to the corrosion of the steel reinforcing elements in mechanically stabilized embankment (MSE) structures: (1) how carbon content and heat treatment of steel affects its susceptibility to pitting corrosion and (2) how applicable is the linear polarization method for monitoring of MSE structures. Eleven types of plain carbon steel with varying compositions and heat treatments underwent a series of chemical, mechanical, metallography, residual stress and cyclical polarization tests to understand which variables influence pitting corrosion. It was identified that hot worked steels are generally less susceptible to pitting than cold worked steels and that welding may change a steel's resistance to pitting corrosion by altering its microstructure. Additional research is needed to clarify the extent that these variables affect pitting corrosion. To evaluate the linear polarization method, an extensive literature search was made to assess the practical limitations and theoretical constants used in this method. The various limitations affecting the accuracy of linear polarization are enumerated and a range of theoretical constants are listed. It was recommended that linear polarization be further evaluated in the lab and field to discern its usefulness as a corrosion monitoring method for MSE structures.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This cover report briefly summarizes and correlates the contents of the final reports written by two contractors: the University of California at Davis (UCD) and the California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). In addition, this report provides some additional context and future direction concerning Caltrans use and monitoring of mechanically stabilized embankment structures. Attached to this cover report are the UCD report and the CSUS report which are labeled as Appendices 1 and 2, respectively.
  • Corporate Authors:

    California Department of Transportation

    Division of New Technology, Materials and Research, 5900 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA  United States  95819

    Federal Highway Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Flora, K S
    • Parks, D M
    • Bandy, R
    • Groza, J R
    • Eslamloo-Grami, M
  • Publication Date: 1995-12

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 190 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00720139
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/CA/TL-94/10, Rept No. 637393
  • Contract Numbers: F91TL06
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Apr 11 1996 12:00AM