Semester of Graduation

Spring 2024

Degree

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Department

Structural Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Corrosion damage to infrastructure is a major worldwide issue. “The global cost of corrosion is estimated to be US$2.5 trillion, which is equivalent to 3.4% of the global GDP” (International, 2024). Studies have estimated that 15%-35% of corrosion damage costs could be eliminated by currently available methods (International, 2024). Because corrosion damage costs grow exponentially, early identification and mitigation is important to obtaining the lowest life cycle cost (Secer & Uzun, 2016). Best practice solutions involve a combination of advance planning in design in corrosive environments, early identification of corrosion prior to significant structural damage, and targeted repairs that address specific areas of corrosion-related damage to avoid unnecessary repairs. The focus of this study is on corrosion damage repair.

If left unchecked, structural corrosion damage can become a life-safety threat. The adverse impact of corrosion on structural steel is potentially catastrophic loss of the strength. This thesis will address the vast and complex nature of this phenomenon to assist engineers in obtaining a foundational understating of different types of corrosion, how each form of corrosion affects the mechanical properties of the material, identifying each form effectively, and implementing the correct repair given the current state of the structure.

This study is focused on a chemical facility located in Carrolton, Texas that experienced corrosion damage to the steel mezzanine used by workers around four mixing tanks. The system consists of a metal grate system supported by cold-formed light-gage metal beams, and hot-rolled steel tube columns. Structural analysis software, RISA 3-D, is used to model the framing before and after the corrosion damage to ascertain the amount of structural capacity remaining in the structure, if this capacity meets current codes, and what repairs will be needed given the current conditions of the structure.

Date

3-14-2024

Committee Chair

Aly Mousaad Aly

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Available for download on Thursday, March 13, 2031

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