IZA analysis: Galvanized steel rebar provides the most cost-effective protection

“To study the impact of reinforcing steel deterioration on total cost of ownership of a reinforced concrete bridge, computer modeling using a Monte Carlo probability analysis was performed based on the de-icing salt use and condition of the reinforced concrete bridge decks from the State of Virginia. Data from 27 bridges were used to develop models for chloride induced corrosion initiation and propagation. Diffusion models that incorporate Monte Carlo calculations are better able to simulate the probabilistic nature of the input variables, as the input parameters are random variables with their own statistical distribution. Using known inputs from existing bridges limited the number of variables. 

“The diffusion of chloride into concrete decks and its effects on service life were calculated for epoxy-coated rebar, batch galvanized steel rebar, and 316LN stainless steel rebar. The total present cost (TPC) and life-cycle cost (LCC) figures show that galvanized steel rebar provides the most cost-effective protection for reinforced bridge decks with a 100-year life.”

Photo credit, top: New York State Thruway Authority