Effect of Damaged Area on Service Life of Epoxy-Coated Reinforcement

Abstract

This report presents a literature review of the effect of coating damage on the corrosion resistance and service life of epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR). Epoxy coatings obtain damage during fabrication, handling, and placement of reinforcement, as well as during casting of concrete. The body of literature was searched for the impact of the extent of this damage on the chloride threshold of ECR, as well as the corrosion rate after initiation of corrosion and the time from corrosion initiation to repair of the structure. An example service life calculation for reinforced concrete bridge decks subject to deicing chemicals is presented. Numerous studies show that an increase in damaged area adversely impacts the corrosion resistance of ECR, both in terms of corrosion initiation and corrosion rate after initiation. Conversely, proper handling and inspection to patch regions of damage can greatly increase the service life of ECR. The theoretical service life calculation indicates a 100-year design life is possible even in the presence of minor damage.