PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Extensive chloride induced reinforcement corrosion of the six reinforced concrete pier columns supporting the South Gippsland Highway Bridge over Cardinia Creek was occurring due to the chloride rich tidal environment. Infracorr Consulting designed and commissioned an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system in accordance with VicRoads specifications.

CHALLENGES

The South Gippsland Highway bridge over Cardinia Creek (VIC) is 10 metres wide and spans 32 metres with two main supporting piers of reinforced concrete, each with three columns extending from the pile-cap just above the river bed. The six supporting columns for the bridge deck, exhibited significant spalling due to corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the concrete.

IMPLEMENTATION

The anodes were installed in drilled holes allowing them to be located centrally within the column, with design spacing between anodes varying with density. Power was supplied from a fully remote controlled monitoring system. To accommodate for the large tidal range of this waterway (over 3 metres), the system was split vertically into individually controllable zones. Local junction boxes distribute power to the sub-zones in different columns as required.

The system was designed and commissioned by Infracorr Consulting Pty Ltd and installed by Marine & Civil Maintenance Pty Ltd for Vicroads.

CLIENT BENEFITS

Custom designed Titanium internal anodes able to be installed with fully remote controlled monitoring system. System able to be accessed from anywhere with Internet connection.