Bridge Stay Cable Corrosion Protection. II: Accelerated Corrosion Tests

Abstract

This paper is the second of two companion papers that cover the results of corrosion and structural testing of eight large-scale stay cable specimens. Four of the specimens had the traditional system of portland cement (PC) grout and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheathing, while the other four specimens used improved protection systems such as epoxy-coated, galvanized, greased, and sheathed strands, or a grout improved with silica fume. A unique accelerated corrosion testing technique developed for bridge stay cables is also described. The traditional system of corrosion protection broke down almost immediately after the initiation of the accelerated corrosion test, while the improved corrosion protection systems provided far better corrosion protection than the traditional system. However, some problems were encountered with the improved corrosion protection systems that are of interest.