Development and failures of corrosion layers on typical surfaces of weathering steel bridges

Abstract

This article introduces the program of experimental atmospheric corrosion test carried out on weathering steel bridges in the Czech Republic. Corrosion losses and average thickness of corrosion products are measured and evaluated within this program. Protective ability of corrosion products is evaluated using X-ray diffraction analysis. Special attention is paid to the surfaces exposed to leakage from a failed drainage system. The test results show that the corrosion losses on structural elements are significantly conditioned by the position and location of exposed surface within the structure. The results also indicate a high degree of correlation dependence between measured average thickness of corrosion products and corrosion loss.