Grants and Contracts Details
Description
A recent KTC inspection of the US 231 (Natcher) bridge over the Ohio River near Owensboro
revealed several problems with the stay cable sheathing including cracking in polyethylene
fittings, displacement of fittings (exposing internal strands) and voids in the protective grout. All
of those may result in loss of corrosion protection and subsequent damage to the wires that
comprise the load-bearing elements in the cables. That may result premature cable failure and
expensive rehabilitation.
At the recent KTC inspection, samples were taken of water entrained in several of the cables at
the lower anchorages. Additional samples were taken of grease and light metal pieces found in
the end caps upon their removal. Additionally, corrosion was detected on the inside of the end
caps and on a split retainer. The proposed work includes investigation of the water samples,
grease and light metal pieces to identify their chemical composition and determine whether any
chemical constituents are present that may indicate wire corrosion and a harmful environment
inside the cables or at the anchorages. That work is to be performed by IMR.
Work will also be performed to identify further testing (and test specialists) to investigate the
current corrosion condition of the cables, type/cause of distress in the polyethylene fittings and
assess the potential for cable movement as a factor in the cable distress
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 6/24/09 → 7/31/10 |
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