Effect of Corrosion on Crack Development and Fatigue Life

Abstract

Fatigue and fracture as well as loss of section caused by corrosion are time-dependent performance characteristics that have the potential to jeopardize the integrity of bridge structures. During the past 25 years these conditions have developed in a number of bridges, resulting in loss of service, costly repairs, and concern about the safety of these structures. A review of the experience with such time-dependent damage since 1970 is presented. The experience is grouped into three categories: fatigue cracking resulting from changes in structural behavior as a result of corrosion, fatigue cracking resulting from development of corrosion notches in members, and stress corrosion of high-strength steel and weld metal. The examples cited illustrate the role of corrosion phenomena in bridge service and the need to control the corrosion conditions on bridge structures.