Title:
Corrosion of Highway Bridges: Economic Impact and Control Methodologies
Author(s):
Mark Yunovich and Neil G. Thompson
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
25
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
52-57
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
1/1/2003
Abstract:
Corrosion of metallic structures has a significant impact on U.S. economy. From 1999 to 2001, CC Technologies Laboratories, Inc. conducted the research in a cooperative agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The total direct cost of corrosion was determined to be $276 billion per year, which is 3.1% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), of which infrastructure-related costs represent a sizeable portion. The overall dollar impact of corrosion on highway bridges (including steel bridges) is considerable and is estimated to be an average $8.29 billion annually. The article summarizes the costs of corrosion of reinforced-concrete highway bridges and discusses the available control and prevention methodologies.