Corrosion Protection of Steel Hardware Used in Modern Timber Bridges

摘要

Corrosion of steel components and connectors used in timber bridges can cause structural damage and failure. The steel hardware is usually exposed to corrosive environments, and therefore, inadequate corrosion protection and favorable conditions for galvanic reactions can promote the onset of corrosion and lead to unexpected failures. In particular, the steel stressing system and special connectors used in modern timber bridges, such as stress-laminated and glued laminated systems, must be adequately protected against corrosion and inspected frequently. The objectives of the booklet are: (1) to familiarize the bridge engineer with the steel components and fasteners used in timber bridges that may corrode and with the types of corrosion that may occur on those components, and (2) to recommend corrosion prevention measures (galvanizing and epoxy coating) applied to the steel components and to provide inspection guidelines for quality control and inservice maintenance of these components.