Abstract

The use of de-icing salts on roads during the winter months has caused corrosion damage to bridge reinforcements, which has increased maintenance costs. The corrosion protection system most widely used by various State Departments of Transportation is a combination of quality concrete, adequate cover, and fusion bonded epoxy-coated reinforcing bars. This report contains a summary of the latest developments in the fabrication and use of fusion epoxy-coated and Allium (stainless steel coated) reinforcing steel within concrete bridge decks and one-way solid slab and T-beam bridges. The study findings indicate that although original epoxy materials are still used, significant improvements in the fabrication and handling of the epoxy-coated bars have significantly improved the corrosion protection of reinforcements. Findings from a literature review and survey responses from a questionnaire of state DOTs indicate that although DOTs view epoxy-coated reinforcement as effective, they continue to look for alternatives to improve corrosion protection.

Keywords

bridges, coatings, concrete, construction, corrosion, durability, epoxy, reinforcement, performance

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/03

SPR Number

4819

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of Version

2025

DOI

10.5703/1288284317844

SPR-4819 Technical Summary.pdf (449 kB)
Technical Summary

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