|
NACE International has published a new guide that lays out strategies to reduce the $8.29 billion annual cost of bridge corrosion and extend the life of reinforced concrete structures.
Guide to Corrosion Management of Reinforced Concrete Structures, the newest release in NACE’s Corrosion Management series, identifies steps to control corrosion on new and existing structures.
 |
|
NRCC |
| Nearly 60 percent of U.S. bridges are made from reinforced concrete, according to the National Bridge Inventory. |
The guide’s primary goal is to encourage bridge owners to implement a well-planned effort to control corrosion before critical damage occurs.
300K+ Bridges
Controlling corrosion has become a top priority for many bridge owners, NACE reports. At least 59% of the nation’s 586,000 bridges are reinforced concrete structures, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory.
Corrosion of the reinforcement in certain environments or exposure conditions compromises the concrete’s durability. This degradation can impact the bridge’s operation or structural integrity, and may even lead to catastrophic failures.
A recent study estimated the annual cost of bridge corrosion at $8.29 billion—and the indirect costs, from delays and lost productivity, at 10 times that total.
Bridge owners can lower costs and increase the safety and viability of reinforced concrete structures by implementing a comprehensive corrosion management program, NACE reports.
Corrosion Strategies
The guide was developed to assist bridge owners in understanding the basic requirements for managing corrosion of reinforced concrete elements. It outlines the essential components of a corrosion management program.
“By implementing these steps proactively, bridge owners can avoid circumstances in which they are forced to perform necessary and expensive repairs after a structure has suffered critical damage,” NACE said.
Key topics include:
• The purpose of implementing a corrosion management plan for new and existing structures;
• The components of a thorough corrosion management plan;
• Inventory management of corrosion and damage by identifying elements such as location, dimension, amount, concrete type, exposure, and existing corrosion control method;
• Understanding inspection types, test methods and test techniques;
• Prediction of future corrosion resulting from design, environment and materials; and
• How to develop a preservation strategy based on those factors.
The Guide to Corrosion Management of Reinforced Concrete Structures can be purchased online. The cost is $75 for NACE members; $100 for nonmembers.
|
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Facebook
