Nondestructive Evaluation of Fiberglass Wrapped Co

Authors: KyuSun Kim Dante Fratta José A Pincheira

Publish Date: 2010/12/21

Volume: 30, Issue: 1, Pages: 9-19

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Abstract

Many inservice concrete bridge decks and columns built before the advent of epoxy coated bars show cracking and spalling of the concrete due to corrosion of the steel reinforcement In cold regions the corrosion rate of concrete bridge decks and columns is accelerated by the use of deicing solutions in winter The corrosion of the steel rebars causes cracking delamination and spalling of reinforced concrete structures and increases the cost of rehabilitation and maintenance operations In Wisconsin USA fiberglass wrapping has been used for corrosion protection of reinforced concrete columns In this methodology a fiberglass wrap is placed as a barrier between the concrete surface and the surrounding environment and is expected to reduce the detrimental effect of traffic splashing of deicing solutions This paper describes a study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of fiberglass wrapping in controlling and reducing the rate of corrosion in bridge concrete columns Field tests included nondestructive wave propagation and halfcell potential methods Nondestructive evaluation results were examined and compared to chloride ion Cl− intrusion measurements The data show that fiberglass wrapping helps in arresting the chloride ion ingress to the columns however it does not help reduce corrosion rates in chloride contaminated concrete columns

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