Prediction and Prevention of Bridge Performance Degradation due to Corrosion, Material Loss, and Microstructural Changes (C21.2022)

The proposed research merges a materials science and engineering approach to corrosion science with structural engineering approaches to bridge inspection and assessment to generate and implement a corrosion prediction model for bridge inspection and asset management systems. We build on prior work identifying the progression of corrosion as a function of local chloride ion concentration ([Cl-]). The proposed work includes lab-based objectives that establish thresholds of local [Cl-] for corrosion formation and impacts of galvanic coupling, sandblast cleaning, and Znbased coating systems on corrosion rates. Through accelerated corrosion testing, polarization testing, and characterization of samples, a corrosion prediction model will be built for field-use. Field-based objectives include comparison of lab-based data to field collected samples and the validation of the prediction model with data gathered through bridge inspections. By working closely with two CTDOT technical contacts, we will refine and implement the prediction model on a selection of pilot bridges in the field. Regular meetings with DOT contacts as well as the creation of an education and implementation program for the use of the refined model are key aspects of the technology transfer of the proposed research. This approach is modeled after a successful project with CTDOT in which a novel 3D scanning inspection methodology was researched, piloted, and ultimately adopted by CTDOT. The proposed work is highly relevant to New England bridges where chlorine exposure from water and de-icing salts are common.

• Record URL:
  https://tidc.umaine.edu/tidc_project/c21-2022-uconn/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $200062
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551847101

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Connecticut Department of Transportation

  Newington, CT  United States  06131-7546
• Managing Organizations:

  Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center

  University of Maine
  Orono, ME  United States  04469

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Dunn, Denise

• Performing Organizations:

  Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center

  University of Maine
  Orono, ME  United States  04469

  University of Connecticut

  Sponsored Programs Services
  438 Whitney Road Ext 1133
  Storrs, CT  United States  06269-1133
• Principal Investigators:

  Hain, Alexandra

  Frame, Lesley

• Start Date: 20220603
• Expected Completion Date: 20241231
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Chlorine; Corrosion; Inspection; Predictive models; Structural engineering
• Identifier Terms: University of Connecticut, Storrs
• Geographic Terms: New England
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01851448
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551847101
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 15 2022 3:34PM