Identification of the Mechanisms That Produce Hydrogen Embrittlement on Post-tensioning Members and the Effects of Galvanic Coupling on Bridge Tendons

Details

• Creators:
  Alexander, Christopher L ; Dukeman, David ; Mullins, Gray
• Corporate Creators:
  University of South Florida. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Contributors:
  McCollough, Timothy
• Corporate Contributors:
  Florida. Department of Transportation
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Prestressing
  • Failure analysis
  • Corrosion
  • Grout
  • Mechanical properties
  • Simulation
  • Prestressing Steel Wire
  • Grout segregation
  • Mechanical properties
  • Multiphysics simulations
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States ; Florida
• Edition:
  Draft Final Report 4/1/20 – 4/30/22
• Corporate Publisher:
  University of South Florida
• Abstract:
  A preliminary analysis of failed prestressing strands within a post-tensioned tendon on the Wando River Bridge in South Carolina showed signs of possible hydrogen embrittlement. One proposed source of hydrogen is through galvanic coupling that may exist between the galvanized steel duct and the steel strands. This coupling, if present, can promote hydrogen evolution at the steel strand’s surface, which may or may not be mitigated by the condition and quality of the grout. To fully understand the susceptibility of post-tensioned steel strands to hydrogen embrittlement in galvanized steel tendon ducts, this study set out to identify the conditions that promote hydrogen production, the kinetics of hydrogen evolution and adsorption into the steel, as well as the subsequent loss of strength of the steel strands.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  BDV25-977-69
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/68944/dot_68944_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 3.28 MB]
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:79cc117416128cb84a57dfa9b65d507d23c6ba01686e535cf9865d638ab6d8dfeec649ea807282b0153bc3127e1ebb0a4a527eb06295189e920e26bc22c356b2