Polymer Composite Wrapping and Cathodic Protection System for Reinforced Concrete Piles in Marine Applications.

摘要

Military piers in marine environments are typically supported atop steel-reinforced concrete piles that are subject to corrosion and concrete deterioration. The failure of even one pile presents a risk of catastrophic structural failure and interruption of operations. Patching deteriorated concrete does not stop corrosion of the reinforcement and may even accelerate it. An impact and corrosion protection wrap (ICPW) system, incorporating a composite structural wrap and cathodic protection system, was designed to rehabilitate deteriorated steel-reinforced concrete marine piles in service at Kawaihae Harbor, HI. The purpose of the technology is to reduce pier life-cycle costs and downtime by inhibiting corrosion-related damage to steel-reinforced concrete piles. The ICPW system consists of a composite reinforced polymeric wrap with an integrated galvanic anode to provide protection in the tidal splash zone. Corrosion activity in 20 rehabilitated piles on two piers was monitored using reference electrodes and data loggers. Results of the demonstration indicate that the system can protect and extend the life of in- service reinforced concrete structural piles in a corrosive marine environment. An economic analysis determined that full implementation of the system on all piles of the two demonstration piers would provide 3.16 return on investment.