LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CATHODIC PROTECTION ON PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE COMPONENTS

While cathodic protection effectively reduces or stops ongoing corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete, applicability of this technology to prestressed members has been limited because of concerns regarding possible bond loss and hydrogen embrittlement. Within this context, the present research was intended as a comprehensive, multifaceted undertaking to elevate the understanding of prestressed concrete cathodic protection to the same level as for reinforced concrete. The program involved four components: (1) constant extension rate testing (CERT) of precorroded tendon wires, (2) cathodic overprotection of precorroded, pretensioned beams with evaluation for hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility, (3) concrete block pull-out tests to determine any effect of cathodic protection on the tendon-to-concrete bond, and (4) evaluation of a commercially available remote monitoring and control hardware and software system for application to prestressed concrete cathodic protection. A set of criteria for qualifying corrosion-damaged pretensioned concrete members for cathodic protection, such that hydrogen embrittlement is avoided, was formulated based on: (1) the prestress level and (2) the extent of corrosion damage. No significant negative effect of cathodic protection on tendon bond strength, even after long service lives, was detected. Also, existing remote monitoring provides a reliable, cost-effective means for interrogating, testing, and controlling cathodic protection systems on pretensioned concrete members.

• Corporate Authors:

  Florida Atlantic University, Dania Beach

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

  Federal Highway Administration

  Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, 6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Hartt, W
  • Poeydomenge, A
  • Stauder, A-L
  • SCANNELL, W
• Publication Date: 1998-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 78 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bond strength (Materials); Cathodic protection; Corrosion; Embrittlement; Prestressed concrete bridges; Pull out test; Remote control; Remote sensing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Hydrogen embrittlement
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00769463
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-98-075,, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-92-C-00058
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 16 1999 12:00AM