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https://www.nationalacademies.org/trb/events

Mixed metal oxide-coated titanium alloy reinforcement for ultra-durable coastal transportation infrastructure -> bridging toward infinity (OSU)

The proposed research will develop and validate a novel class of mixed metal oxide (MMO)–coated titanium alloy structural bars (TiABs) for coastal transportation applications. The bars combine high mechanical performance with integrated corrosion resistance to deliver next-generation, ultra-durable infrastructure. Conventional reinforcing steel is prone to chloride-induced corrosion that requires ongoing maintenance and remediation costs leading to shortened service life and more frequent replacement. This proposal seeks to protect conventional steel bars by integrating them with MMO-coated TiABs. TiABs naturally form a stable passive oxide film that provide exceptional corrosion resistance. By adding MMO coatings to them, including RuO₂ or IrO₂ formulations that are widely used in cathodic protection systems, the TiAB coated bars are expected to have high conductivity, low consumption rates, and remain structurally stabile over decades. Combining and leveraging the MMO and TiAB properties, the proposed approach will provide load-bearing elements and long-life corrosion-resistant members and can function as active, dimensionally stable anodes within an impressed-current cathodic protection scheme to protect a bridge from corrosion damage. The research will (1) design and fabricate titanium alloy bars with MMO coatings with endurable integrity; (2) characterize the mechanical, fatigue, and electrochemical performance under simulated bridge service environments (chloride exposure, wet/dry cycling, combined mechanical stresses); (3) test large-scale structural elements (column specimens) incorporating the coated bars, to evaluate structural performance and durability; and (4) develop design guidelines, life-cycle cost models, and construction details tailored to field implementation. Success in this project would produce a structural reinforcement technology capable of dramatically extending bridge service life, reducing maintenance costs, and improving resilience for the especially harsh marine environments. Through testing, modeling, and design, this work aims to establish a viable path for adoption of titanium + MMO systems in next-generation infrastructure to provide exceptionally long-lived bridges.