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A Corrosion Monitoring System for Existing Reinforced Concrete Structure

Project #: 4W3806
Start Date: 08/01/2011
End Date: 12/31/2012
RESULTS & FINDINGS:

As described in the final report, this study developed and evaluated in the laboratory a multi-parameter corrosion monitoring system for existing reinforced concrete structures in chloride-laden service environments. The study improved and validated the SwRI corrosion sensor prototype for use in the concrete corrosion monitoring system; developed algorithms for quality control and interpretation of the sensor data; made viable recommendations to implement the corrosion monitoring system for existing DOT inventories of RC bridges; and delivered a deployable prototype corrosion sensing system for DOTs to continue field evaluations. The performance and reliability of the SwRI corrosion sensor were confirmed by the benchmark test in simulated concrete pore solutions. However, once active corrosion is initiated and a great amount of chloride is present, the multi-electrode array sensor (MAS) probe may no longer serve as a good tool to predict the corrosion rate of rebar unless more research is conducted to establish such prediction or correlation. The performance and reliability of the SwRI corrosion sensor were also confirmed by embedding it in a paste specimen, while some issues with firmware and possibly graphite reference probe were identified. While more research is needed, the paste specimen test also imply that the MAS probes, Cl probes and pH probes all have great potential to work properly under a reasonably low electric field.

ABSTRACT:

Reinforced concrete is utilized in a wide spectrum of transportation infrastructure but may suffer significantly from unrecognized corrosion in cold weather regions. The Alaska University Transportation Center partnered with the Corrosion and Sustainable Infrastructure Lab at WTI on research to develop a reliable, cost-effective corrosion monitoring system for existing reinforced concrete (RC) transportation structures. The technology resulting from the project was designed to provide a lower cost system for existing Department of Transportation RC structures in aggressive service environments, offering higher quality carion condition information. It was also designed to detect corrosion initiation and propagation in the RC structures at the earliest possible time, enabling condition-based maintenance strategies.

Researchers had four specific objectives in their research of RC structures: 1) improve and validate the SwRI corrosion sensor prototype for concrete corrosion monitoring systems; 2) develop algorithms for quality control and sensor data interpretation; 3) make viable implementation recommendations for corrosion monitoring systems and existing DOT inventory of RC bridges; and 4) deliver a deployable prototype corrosion sensing system for DOTs to continue field evaluations.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this project was to develop a prototype corrosion sensing system for Departments of Transportation.

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