Title: Performance of Corrosion Mitigation Strategies in Bridge Deck Reinforcement Applied Prior to UHPC Overlay Installation

Author(s): Naveen Saladi, Chandni Balachandran, Robert Spragg, Zachary Haber, and Benjamin Graybeal

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 363

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 60-80

Keywords: Corrosion; Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC); Mitigation; Bridge decks; Bond; Overlay; Inhibitors

DOI: 10.14359/51742107

Date: 7/1/2024

Abstract:
Corrosion of steel reinforcement is one of the primary contributing factors to bridge deck deterioration. Based on the extent of corrosion, different corrosion mitigation strategies can be used to extend the service life of a bridge deck. Bridge deck overlays are efficient tools in reducing active corrosion. While there are multiple overlay solutions that are commonly deployed, including concrete-based and polymer-based systems, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) overlays have gained interest from bridge owners in recent years. Another corrosion mitigation strategy is the application of corrosion-inhibiting chemicals and sealers to a concrete surface to reduce the ingress of deleterious ions. The purpose of this paper is to compare different corrosion mitigation strategies and study the effects of such techniques on the bond between the UHPC overlay and the substrate concrete. UHPC overlays were found to be effective in reducing corrosion rates by more than 50 percent. Sealers and corrosion inhibitors applied to the concrete substrate in combination with placing a UHPC overlay reduced the corrosion rates even further. However, sealers and corrosion inhibitors appeared to negatively affect bond strength, potentially increasing the likelihood of overlay delamination.