Bridge Rehabilitation with Thermal Spray Zinc Coatings

Abstract

<p>Rapid overconsumption of natural resources is a primary driver of climate change. Reinforced concrete and steel, the two primary construction materials for bridges, have a heavy environmental footprint and can fail prematurely from corrosion. Extending the lives of existing bridge structures reduces mining and processing activity needed to produce new construction materials. Thermal spray zinc (TSZ) coatings have proven to be very durable for protecting and extending the lives of both reinforced concrete and steel bridges. Corroding reinforcing steel in concrete structures can be protected using TSZ external anodes. The anodes easily adhere to the contours of the bridge and colour match with the concrete. Steel bridges can be protected with TSZ coatings alone or as painted ‘Duplex’ TSZ coatings. TSZ coatings can be applied in the factory or in the field, making them ideal for the rehabilitation of existing bridge structures showing signs of corrosion.</p>