Title:
Effects of Ultraviolet Exposure on Corrosion Performance of Epoxy-Coated Reinforcement
Author(s):
Pooya Vosough Grayli, Matthew O'Reilly, and David Darwin
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
121
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
115-122
Keywords:
corrosion; epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR); ultraviolet (UV) light; weathering
DOI:
10.14359/51742042
Date:
9/1/2024
Abstract:
Epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR), with and without penetrationsthrough the epoxy, was subjected to an accelerated weatheringprogram under ultraviolet (UV) light following Cycle 1 of ASTMG154, simulating outdoor exposure in North America for periodsranging from 1.2 months to 1 year. The corrosion resistance of thebars was evaluated using the ASTM A955 rapid macrocell test.As a control, the corrosion resistance of bars not subjected to theaccelerated weathering program was also evaluated. After accelerated weathering equivalent to approximately 1.2 months of outdoor exposure, the corrosion resistance of epoxy-coated bars with penetrations in the coating was reduced, with corrosion lossesthree to six times greater than ECR without UV light exposure.Even ECR without penetrations through the coating showed aloss in corrosion protection when subjected to the equivalent of 1year of outdoor exposure. ECR should be stored in a manner thatprotects it from exposure to UV light. The existing guidelines inASTM D3963 limiting unprotected exposure to 2 months are notsufficient to protect the coating from damage; limiting exposure to1 month or less should be required.
Related References:
ASTM A775/A775M-23, 2023, “Standard Specification for Epoxy-Coated Steel Reinforcing Bars,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 11 pp.
ASTM A934/A934M-22, 2022, “Standard Specification for Epoxy-Coated Prefabricated Steel Reinforcing Bars,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 11 pp.
ASTM D3963/D3963M-21, 2021, “Standard Specification for Fabrication and Jobsite Handling of Epoxy-Coated Steel Reinforcing Bars,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 3 pp.
ASTM G154-22, 2022, “Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 12 pp.
Cetiner, M.; Singh, P.; Abes, J.; and Gilroy-Scott, A., 2000, “UV Degradation of Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating in Stockpiled Pipes,” 3rd International Pipeline Conference, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Darwin, D.; Browning, J.; O’Reilly, M.; Locke, C. E.; and Virmani, Y. P., 2011, “Multiple Corrosion Protection Systems for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Components,” Publication No. FHWA-HRT-11-060, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC, 255 pp.
Darwin, D.; O’Reilly, M.; Vosough Grayli, P.; and Hartell, J. A., 2020, “Evaluating the Performance of Existing Reinforcement for Oklahoma Bridges,” Final Project Report – FHWA-OK-20-06, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma City, OK, 194 pp.
Draper, J.; Darwin, D.; Browning, J. P.; and Locke, C. E., 2009, “Evaluation of Multiple Corrosion Protection Systems for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks,” SM Report No. 96, University of Kansas Center for Research, Lawrence, KS, 429 pp.
Fedor, G. R., and Brennan, P. J., 1996, “Comparison Between Natural Weathering and Fluorescent UV Exposures,” Durability Testing of Nonmetallic Materials, R. J. Herling, ed., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 15 pp.
Hare, C. H., 1992, “The Degradation of Coatings by Ultraviolet Light And Electromagnetic Radiation,” Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings, May, 4 pp.
Kamde, D., and Pillai, R., 2020, “Effect of Sunlight/Ultraviolet Exposure on The Corrosion of Fusion Bonded-Epoxy (FBE) Coated Steel Rebars in Concrete,” Corrosion, V. 76, No. 9, pp. 843-860. doi: 10.5006/3588
Kotnarowska, D., 1999, “Influence of Ultraviolet Radiation and Aggressive Media on Epoxy Coating Degradation,” Progress in Organic Coatings, V. 37, No. 3-4, pp. 149-159. doi: 10.1016/S0300-9440(99)00070-3
O’Reilly, M.; Darwin, D.; Browning, J.; and Locke, C., 2011, “Evaluation of Multiple Corrosion Protection Systems for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks,” SM Report No. 100, University of Kansas Center for Research, Lawrence, KS, 535 pp.
Poursaee, A., 2016, Corrosion of Steel in Concrete Structures, Woodhead Publishing, Sawston, UK, 312 pp.
Vosough Grayli, P.; O’Reilly, M.; and Darwin, D., 2023, “Evaluation of Multiple Corrosion Protection Systems for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks,” SM Report No. 152, University of Kansas Center for Research, Lawrence, KS, 322 pp.
Weyers, R. E.; Pyc, W.; and Sprinkel, M. M., 1998, “Estimating the Service Life of Epoxy Coated Reinforcing Steel,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 95, No. 5, Sept.-Oct., pp. 546-557.