Thesis Title: "Evaluation of Chloride Threshold for Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Composites in Aggressively Corrosive Environments"
Abstract
Highway drainage pipes utilize concrete reinforced with steel wire to help mitigate water, earth, and traffic loads. Drainage pipes reinforced with zinc electroplated steel fibers offer a lower steel alternative to traditional steel wire cage reinforcements. The objective of the thesis research was to determine the physical and electrochemical characteristics of zinc electroplated steel fiber corrosion propagation. Experimental programs include: Fracture analysis of zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in dry-cast concrete pipes exposed to varying chloride concentrations; Visual analysis of zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in concrete exposed to varying chloride concentrations; Electrochemical analysis of zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in concrete exposed to varying chlorides; Chloride threshold determination for zinc electroplated steel fibers immersed in simulated pore solution. Between the four experimental programs the most significant conclusion is that oxygen, moisture, and chlorides past the chloride threshold must be present for corrosion to propagate significantly on the zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in concrete.
Highway Drainage Pipe Corrosion Characterizations (Thesis Research, March 2016)
Over the course of 4 semesters (Spring '15 - Spring '16) Dietrich worked 20 hours a week in the corrosion lab where he helped support over 11 ongoing corrosion experiments. His personal responsibility was to conduct research for the Florida Department of Transportation and write a thesis concluding on the economic feasibility of steel fiber reinforced highway drainage pipes located in aggressively corrosive environments. Dieter's original research focused on physical strength and corrosive behavior of zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in concrete highway drainage pipes.
The outcome of research was a final report for the Florida Department of Transportation that is used to influence economic decisions in highway construction. In addition to the Thesis and report contributions, three different posters were presented to the academic (FAU) and professional communities (NACE) detailing different aspects of research.
The complete thesis can be seen here