WTI

Effect of Chloride-Based Deicers On Reinforced Concrete Structures: Phase I

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Effect of Chloride-based Deicers on Reinforced Concrete Structures
   1. Shi, X., Liu, Y., Mooney, M., Berry, M., Hubbard, B., Fay, L., Leonard, A.B.
   2. 4W0908_Final_Report.pdf

Project Objective

Evaluate the effect of chloride-based deicers on reinforced concrete structures, such as roadways and bridges, operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation; and to determine whether or not reducing deicer corrosiveness helps preserve the transportation infrastructure.

Project Abstract

The corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete has been a major problem in highway bridges and other reinforced concrete structures. The corrosion leads to serious economic and safety implications. For transportation infrastructure exposed to salt-laden environments, the chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel is the major cause of their premature deterioration of strength, serviceability, and aesthetics. Therefore, chloride permeability of concrete is considered a critical intrinsic property of the concrete. In the state of Washington, millions of pounds of deicers, primarily chloride-based deicers, are applied to the roads every winter. The Washington Department of Transportation has studied the corrosion of chloride-based deicers to motor vehicles but little is known about the effectiveness of deicer inhibitors in regard to infrastructure preservation. Therefore, research is needed to determine whether corrosion-inhibited deicers help mitigate the steel rebar corrosion due to chloride ingress.

Task Descriptions

1. Literature Review
   1. The research team will conduct a literature review of existing research related to this project.
2. Experimental Setup for Pressure Penetration Tests
   1. Establish and utilize a pressure penetration test that is both accelerated and representative of the field conditions. This test is similar to determining water permeability using a pressure cell.
3. Project Management
   1. The WTI research team and WSDOT will communicate throughout the duration of the project.
4. Experimental Design
   1. Determine the type of concrete specimens that can be tested in the environmental chamber. Emphasis will be placed on investigating the impact of deicer type and salt contamination on the corrosion behavior of rebar in concrete.
5. Laboratory Investigation
   1. Samples of each type of deicer will be tested in the laboratory for their corrosiveness. For the pressure penetration test, reinforced concrete slabs will be fabricated and cured in specified conditions.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Chloride-based deicer, winter maintenance

Partners

Washington State Department of Transportation, Pacific Northwest Snowfighters Association