Title: Corrosion Management Strategy for Reinforced Concrete Wharf Infrastructure

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/14/2011

Abstract:
Corrosion of steel in concrete presents a significant challenge in the asset management of marine infrastructure. In order to assist in this Port of Brisbane Corporation (PBC) have instituted an inspection and testing programme and review of their wharfs occurring once every 10 years. This paper summarises key findings from the second event in this series, testing of nine wharves located at the mouth of the Brisbane River in Queensland. The investigation was undertaken by GHD’s Materials Technology Group as the commission for the PBC. The investigation involved diagnostic testing and core sampling of representative areas of the deck, crane beams, relieving slab and abutment walls of each wharf. Core samples were analysed for chloride content at varying depths from the surface to cover depth for the purpose of establishing a chloride penetration profile. This paper presents a summary of the key findings of the second programme and comparison with the first, it also considers how the findings affect future decisions regarding durability and maintenance strategies.