Published in 1975
The testing of 15 bridges on Route I-64 just west of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel marked the first major use of electrical potential readings and chloride analyses in evaluating the condition of bridge decks in Virginia. Two of the decks were also sounded with a chain drag to disclose any areas of delaminated concrete. In general, the electrical potential readings were found to be of disappointing usefulness probably because of poor connections between the deck reinforcement and the voltmeter. The chloride analyses appeared to yield reasonably reliable but highly variable results, and considerable differences were found in the chloride contents of various spans within some of the structures. The limited use of soundings provided valuable formation to supplement the potential readings and chloride content data.
Last updated: January 29, 2024