Materials Selection & Design

Estimating Corrosion of Embedded Steel Rebars in Bridge Structures

Based on empirical and theoretical research validated by field data, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) researchers developed a guidance tool to predict rebar reinforcement section loss. This should help MnDOT manage its bridge inventory and inform bridge maintenance and replacement decisions.

Gretchen Jacobson Retires as MP Managing Editor-in-Chief

Gretchen A. Jacobson, Managing Editor-in-Chief of Materials Performance (MP) magazine, officially retired from her role at the conclusion of December 2022. Rebecca A. Bickham, Editor, is now leading the magazine.

Study: Ceramic Coatings Largely Unaffected by Material Fatigue

According to researchers at TU Wien (Vienna), thin-film ceramic coatings break down in a completely different way than metals. Material fatigue hardly plays a role, whereas the decisive factor is said to be the intensity of extreme load peaks.

Final Report Issued on 2019 Refinery Fire, Explosion in Philadelphia

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board released its findings regarding a massive fire and explosions at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in 2019. The incident occurred when a corroded pipe elbow ruptured, releasing process fluid into the hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit.

Hydrochloric Acid Corrosion of a Venturi Gas Scrubber

A common source of gaseous compounds in the refining industry is the overhead exhaust/vent of the regeneration tower within a continuous catalytic reforming unit.

Shop Coating vs. Field Coating: Pros and Cons

This article from Charles S. Brown of Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. explores key differences between shop coating and field painting, as well as the pros and cons of shop-applied coatings vs. field-applied coatings on new steel.

Transducers Use Ultrasonic Guided Waves to Detect Pipe Anomalies

The San Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute is creating its next generation of transducers using ultrasonic guided wave technology to help detect anomalies in pipes. In turn, this is designed to allow users to prevent leaks before they start.

Comparing Corrosion Among Three Coastal Florida Sites

Knowing the corrosion severity of a particular environment is important when designing and maintaining infrastructure—and even more so in coastal environments. Certain factors can cause corrosion rates to vary significantly. This study aims to provide answers.

U.S. Army Extends Contract for Non-Corrosive Deicer Development

OCOchem was awarded a contract extension to create a chemical process to manufacture a lower-cost, non-corrosive, chlorine-free deicer to protect U.S. Army and other military equipment from damage caused by rock or road salt.

U.K. Rail Regulator Publishes Trains Safety Report

The Office of Rail and Road, the economic and safety regulator of Britain’s railway, made a series of recommendations based on a review of how the rail industry responded to a range of potential safety issues, including cracking.

Study: How Rising Sea Levels Affect Foundations

A new study by Colorado State University civil engineers examines hidden costs to building foundations due to rising sea levels. They propose a method for inspection and repair to lower costs associated with deterioration from saltwater corrosion.

U.S. House Introduces Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act

Introduced over the summer of 2022, the proposed federal legislation would require corrosion planning and the use of qualified and trained professionals on all bridge construction, repair, and maintenance projects throughout the country.

Deadline Nears for 2023 MP Corrosion Innovation Awards

Winning innovations must show potential for a positive impact in corrosion control. Innovations can be related to coatings and linings, materials, design, equipment, testing, monitoring, modeling/risk assessment, cathodic protection, chemical treatment, or beyond.

Material Selection for Use in Solar Power Generation

First developed for use in the oil and gas industry, superalloy N07740 is now being used in solar power receiver tubes due to the desire to reduce CO2 emissions. These particular tubes have a heat transfer agent (molten salt) that transfers and stocks solar energy.

Pittsburgh Bridge Showed ‘Major Decay’ Months Before Collapse

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation released an inspection report completed on the Fern Hollow Bridge four months before its collapse, which appeared to show major structural decay. Despite findings from the fall 2021 inspection, no immediate repairs were ordered.