Image: corrosioncp.com
A senior corrosion engineer based in Danville, California, David Aimal Kashifi has dedicated more than 10 years to Corrosion Protection Solutions. David Aimal Kashifi maintains NACE International certification as a cathodic protection specialist.
In 2012, NACE International released a white paper giving a comprehensive overview of corrosion on American bridges. Many bridges, constructed with a 50-year lifespan, have approached their maximum age, thus making their poorer design quality a challenge to upkeep beyond their intended purpose.
A primary cause of concern is corrosion, which affects structural soundness. Corrosion related to steel is a result of exposure to other matter, such as water, soil, and air. Warm water, for instance, expedites corrosion in steel. If steel embedded in concrete begins to show signs of deterioration, it is likely that the material has come in contact with chloride ions from roadway deicers or seawater.
With proper planning, corrosion can be controlled. Protective coatings applied to structural steel elements can extend their lifespan up to 40 years. Electrochemical techniques and stainless steel reinforcement may also prolong the life of a bridge by 35 more years. Other considerations include the use of weathering steels and strategic placement of high-performance concrete.
David Kashifi 