Title: Evaluation of Materials for Repair of Erosion Damage in Hydraulic Structures

Author(s): J. E. McDonald

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 192

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 887-898

Keywords: abrasion; cavitation; fiber-reinforced concretes; hydraulic structures; polymers; repairs

DOI: 10.14359/5791

Date: 4/1/2000

Abstract:
Erosion damage has been reported for approximately one-half of the more than 600 hydraulic structures owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The causes of this erosion are about equally divided between cavitation and abrasion. In some cases this damage has been severe, requiring extensive repairs. Many different materials have been used in these repairs with varying degrees of success. Consequently, a study was initiated as part of the Repair, Evaluation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation (REMR) Research Program, to evaluate the caviation resistance of a wide range of repair materials and protective coatings. A venturi-type apparatus which produces moderate to severe caviation was used to evaluate the caviation resistance of approximately 80 materials. A ceramic-filled epoxy; a metal-filled, fiber-reinforced epoxy; and a polyurethane exhibited the best caviation resistance. Cementitious-based materials generally performed rather poorly. Results of the laboratory tests are summarized herein.