| Title: |
Nondestructive Evaluation of Concrete Bridge Decks Reinforced with Epoxy-Coated Bars |
| Contact: |
Stephen R. Sharp
|
| Project No.: |
68758 |
| Target Date: |
03/06/2006 |
| Abstract: |
Measurement of the potentials between the bars in the concrete and a half-cell is a simple and effective method for obtaining information indicative of impending corrosion on the reinforcing bars in a bridge. Unfortunately, ASTM C 876 - Standard Method for Half-Cell Potential of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in Concrete is only applicable to bare black bars, as indicated by the title of this standard. As a consequence, a need exist for an inspection method suitable for bridge decks reinforced with epoxy-coated rebar (ECR) that is capable of providing condition data as effective as those provided by the half-cell potential measurement method for bridge decks reinforced with bare black bars. Based on simple diffusion modeling, it can be predicted that many of the earlier concrete bridge decks built with ECR in Virginia will in the next ten years begin to have sufficient chloride ions to initiate rebar corrosion. There is, therefore, not much time left for developing a simple and effective NDE method for condition survey of such concrete bridge decks. With such a method, reliable inspection data can be utilized to develop any necessary mitigation plan in a timely and cost-effective manner. It is estimated that the early rehabilitation of these infrastructure assets could save the state between $500K to $1M annually. |
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