Influence of Corrosive Inundation on the Corrosion Rates of Galvanized Tie Stripsin Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls

摘要

An investigation was conducted to assess the condition in the field of thegalvanized reinforcement in Florida DOT Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEW) that were already in service. For this purpose, 10 MSEW structures were instrumented at 8 different Florida sites for corrosion measurements. In addition, soil and metal samples were retrieved from several of the sites to evaluate the electrochemical properties of the backfill and to assess the condition of the galvanized coating after several years of exposure. The investigation also evaluated in the laboratory the influence of salt water contamination and macrocell development on the durability of the galvanized coating. The reinforcement in the structures investigated was typically in good condition and the corrosion rate of galvanized elements was low. A deteorioration model was formulated using the field survey input. The model projects long durability (> 100 years with only 5% element failure) in the absence of episodic saltwater flooding. Laboratory tests indicated that durability may be decreased tenfold by saltwater contamination.