Factors Contributing to Corrosion of Steel Pilings in Duluth-Superior Harbor

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Abstract:

Field observations and laboratory testing were used to conclude that aggressive localized corrosion of carbon steel pilings in Duluth-Superior Harbor, Minnesota and Wisconsin, is caused by the following sequence of biological, chemical, and physical events. Iron-oxidizing bacteria colonize the carbon steel sheet pilings and produce tubercles, which are made up of intact andor partially degraded remains of bacterial cells mixed with amorphous hydrous ferric oxides. The reducing conditions beneath the tubercles cause copper dissolved in the water to precipitate. A galvanic couple is established between the copper layer and the iron substratum. Ice scouring breaks the tubercles. Exposure of the copper-covered iron to oxygen causes the galvanic current to increase. The result is aggressive localized corrosion.

Author(s):
Ray, Richard I. ; Lee, Jason S. ; Little, Brenda J.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS OCEANOGRAPHY DIV
Descriptive Note:
Journal article
Supplementary Note:
Published in Corrosion, v65 n11 p707-717, Nov 2009. ISSN 0010-9312. Sponsored in part by the Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit, MI. The original document contains color images. All DTIC reproductions will be in black and white.
Pagination:
0014

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NRL/JA/7330-09-9285
Monitor Series:
ONR
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning
Modernization Areas:
Quantum Science and Computing
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*GALVANIC CORROSION, *LAKE SUPERIOR, *CARBON STEELS, *ESTUARIES, *PILE STRUCTURES, *FRESH WATER, *HARBORS, *BACTERIA, WATER QUALITY, BULKHEADS, DOCKS, BRIDGES, MICROBIOLOGY, WISCONSIN, IRON OXIDES, PRECIPITATES, MINNESOTA, COPPER, OXIDATION, ICE, OXYGEN, IRON, EXPOSURE(GENERAL), LABORATORY TESTS, COUPLING(INTERACTION), REPRINTS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Microbiology, Physical Chemistry, Geography, Properties of Metals and Alloys, Civil Engineering
Keyword(s):
*DULUTH SUPERIOR HARBOR, *CARBON STEEL PILINGS, *LOCALIZED CORROSION, TUBERCLES, ICE SCOURING, SHEET PILINGS, GALVANIC CURRENT, GALVANIC COUPLE, MIC(MICROBIOLOGICALLY INFLUENCED CORROSION), ALWC(ACCELERATED LOW WATER CORROSION), PE0601153N, WU739776095
Report Date:
2009 Nov 01
Creation Date:
2010 Feb 03