Solving Structural Problems Related to Corrosion in Concrete

Reinforcement corrosion is the leading cause of the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures around the world. Corrosion is a naturally occurring electrochemical process that is influenced by environmental exposure and as-built conditions. If not adequately diagnosed and mitigated, reinforcement corrosion can cause substantial structural damage and result in costly repairs.

For years, the Pivot team has been fighting the good fight against corrosion. Whether the corrosion was found in bridges, garages, high-rises, or stadiums, our clients relied on our expertise to assess ongoing corrosion activity and design durable repairs.

Pivot's Assessment of Corrosion in Concrete

Using a suite of complementary nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, Pivot evaluates the extent and severity of corrosion damage. The NDT evaluation allows us to document the risk and rate of reinforcement corrosion, and it limits the need for intrusive exploratory openings.

Pivot’s assessments of corrosion damage focus on identifying the underlying causes. While chlorides have been the traditional culprit, other corrosion mechanisms can also lead to severe corrosion. Our team has investigated failures and damage caused by carbonation, stray currents, galvanic corrosion cells, and more.?For example, Pivot identified differential corrosion cells as the driver behind the failure of post-tensioned tendons.

Premature corrosion damage can sometimes be attributed to inadequate design or improper construction. To evaluate the effect of original construction, Pivot’s corrosion assessments include testing material samples and documenting as-built conditions. This site-specific information is then used to develop service life models, which are used to predict future performance and evaluate the reliability of different remediation measures.?

Pivot's Design of Durable Corrosion Repairs

Based on the assessment findings, Pivot develops tailored remediation measures that mitigate ongoing corrosion activity and extend the service life of the structure.?Our award-winning?remediation measures may include controlling corrosion activity using galvanic protection, limiting exposure using protective coatings, stopping corrosion using nonmetallic reinforcement, or a combination thereof.

Pivot also assists large infrastructure owners in developing?risk-based management programs.?These management programs aim to extend the service life of managed assets while minimizing maintenance costs and failure risks.

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Contact us if you want to learn more about corrosion assessments and repairs.