Corrosion is a serious threat to the long-term function and integrity of a steel bridge. Structural steel will corrode if left unprotected or inadequately protected from the natural environment. Bridge designers should view corrosion as a long-term threat to the integrity of the bridge structure and is a critical consideration that must be addressed rationally during the design process. While there are several proven strategies for corrosion protection of steel bridges, there is no universal solution. The proper system must accommodate cost, fabrication and productivity, and long-term performance and maintenance. Additionally, each corrosion protection system must be selected based on the anticipated exposure of the structure to corrosive elements over its lifetime. This course highlights the most common issues confronting bridge designers regarding corrosion protection and guides in this area.

Topics: • Introduction and background - corrosion • Corrosive environments • Materials for corrosion protection • Coatings (Hot-dip, thermal spray, zinc-rich paint, non-zinc systems) • Weathering, metalizing, corrosion-resistant alloys • Historical Performance of materials • Design considerations (complexity, height, access, utilities) • Design considerations (large and unique structures) • Design considerations (superstructure selection) • Design considerations (layout preferences) • Design considerations (rail-sharing design options) • Element detailing (water traps, inaccessibility, box, and tubular members) • Element detailing (dissimilar metals) • Element detailing (weathering, metalizing, galvanizing) • Fabrication and application of corrosion protection systems • Cost analysis of corrosion protection systems 

Intended Audience: This course is intended primarily for structural, civil, mechanical, and chemical engineers and other engineering professionals with a job description that may require a general knowledge of steel bridge design principles regarding corrosion protection. 

 Disclaimer: This course on Steel Bridge Design is based on FHWA non-restricted publications in the public domain, dating from 2015 to 2016. All subsequent versions of these courses have become proprietary under a "Rights Reserved" restriction by the AISC and are thus not available as public domain courseware. Design principles and methodologies used in this previous version remain relevant and up to date, as of late 2023. To view the latest versions, please visit the AISC download site at: https://www.aisc.org/nsba/design-and-estimation-resources/steel-bridge-design-handbook