Title:
Effectiveness of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer in Reducing Corrosion in Marine Environment
Author(s):
Kwangsuk Suh, Gray Mullins, Rajan Sen, and Danny Winters
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
104
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
76-83
Keywords:
bond; corrosion; prestress; reinforcement; test
DOI:
10.14359/18435
Date:
1/1/2007
Abstract:
This paper presents results from a long-term study that evaluated the role of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) in reducing the corrosion rate in a marine environment. Twenty-two 1/3-scale models of prestressed piles cast with built-in chloride were exposed to simulated tidal cycles under outdoor ambient conditions for nearly 3 years. These included eight carbon FRP (CFRP), eight glass FRP (GFRP)-wrapped specimens, and six controls. Embedded titanium reference electrodes and thermocouples were used to monitor the corrosion performance inside the wrapped region throughout the exposure period. The performance of the FRP was evaluated on the basis of bond and gravimetric tests conducted at the end of the exposure period. The results showed that the FRP-concrete bond was largely unaffected by exposure and both CFRP and GFRP-repaired specimens significantly outperformed the controls. The underlying trend in corrosion rate measurements showed increases for the controls and reductions for the wrapped specimens. This was reflected by much lower metal losses in wrapped specimens compared with controls. Overall, the study showed that FRP is effective in mitigating corrosion in a marine environment.