Bridge Corrosion

Impact of Uncontrolled Humidity

Bridges, constantly exposed to moisture and salts from surrounding water bodies and air, are prone to electrolytic corrosion, reducing their lifespan and structural integrity.

Consequences of High Humidity

The effects of uncontrolled humidity on bridges include:

● Oxidation and corrosion: Exposure to moisture leads to chemical reactions, causing rust and corrosion on ferrous metals used in bridge construction.

● Reduced lifespan: Corrosion decreases the shelf life of bridges, requiring costly repairs or replacements.

● Decreased load capacity: Structural deterioration due to corrosion can reduce the load-bearing capacity of bridges, posing safety risks.

● Increased life cycle costs: Maintenance and repair expenses escalate as a result of corrosion-induced damage, increasing the overall life cycle costs of bridges.

Additional Effects

Uncontrolled humidity not only affects the structural integrity of bridges but also poses safety hazards and financial burdens on maintenance and repair.

Causes of Uncontrolled Humidity

Moisture during construction and regular exposure to the external environment are the primary causes of corrosion in bridges, leading to rust formation on ferrous metals.

Recommendation

To prevent corrosion and maintain bridge integrity, it is recommended to maintain relative humidity below 40% and a dew point of -10°C at ambient temperature.

Solution

 

Josem offers innovative solutions to combat corrosion in bridges:

● Metalizing: Applying protective coatings of active metals such as zinc and aluminum increases durability and extends the life cycle of concrete and steel structures.

● Wire Bridge Protection: Dehumidified air is continuously fed to suspension bridges’ wire bundles to prevent corrosion.Booster fans maintain air circulation across wires and cable anchorages.

● Girder Bridge Protection: Josem’s desiccant dehumidifiers maintain relative humidity at around 35% inside bridge chambers, effectively preventing cable corrosion and structural degradation.

● Josem Desiccant Dehumidifiers: Josem recommends installing Josem desiccant dehumidifiers capable of maintaining dew points as low as -60°C, regardless of ambient conditions, to effectively prevent corrosion in bridges.