Title:
Cathodic Protection of Historic Bridges
Author(s):
Ray Bottenberg
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
30
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
37-41
Keywords:
bridges; corrosion; arc-sprayed zinc; history; repair
DOI:
Date:
9/1/2008
Abstract:
During the 1920s and 1930s, bridge engineer Conde B. McCullough designed numerous bridges on the Oregon Coast Highway that were masterpieces of art deco architecture. Most of these included his trademark reinforced concrete arch spans. During the 1980s, the Oregon Department of Transportation began investigating cathodic protection technology to protect these historic spans that were suffering from chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Several impressed current cathodic protection systems using various anode materials applied to the surface of the concrete, including arc-sprayed zinc, were investigated. The history and results of the use of cathodic protection on these historic bridges is presented.