Title:
Effects of Ultraviolet Exposure on Corrosion Performance of Epoxy-Coated Reinforcement
Author(s):
Pooya Vosough Grayli, Matthew O'Reilly, and David Darwin
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
121
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
115-122
Keywords:
corrosion; epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR); ultraviolet (UV) light; weathering
DOI:
10.14359/51742042
Date:
9/1/2024
Abstract:
Epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR), with and without penetrationsthrough the epoxy, was subjected to an accelerated weatheringprogram under ultraviolet (UV) light following Cycle 1 of ASTMG154, simulating outdoor exposure in North America for periodsranging from 1.2 months to 1 year. The corrosion resistance of thebars was evaluated using the ASTM A955 rapid macrocell test.As a control, the corrosion resistance of bars not subjected to theaccelerated weathering program was also evaluated. After accelerated weathering equivalent to approximately 1.2 months of outdoor exposure, the corrosion resistance of epoxy-coated bars with penetrations in the coating was reduced, with corrosion lossesthree to six times greater than ECR without UV light exposure.Even ECR without penetrations through the coating showed aloss in corrosion protection when subjected to the equivalent of 1year of outdoor exposure. ECR should be stored in a manner thatprotects it from exposure to UV light. The existing guidelines inASTM D3963 limiting unprotected exposure to 2 months are notsufficient to protect the coating from damage; limiting exposure to1 month or less should be required.