Embrittlement of Bridge Tendon Strands with Galvanized Steel Ducts

Concerns have been raised that pre-stressing structural steel in galvanized tendon ducts may become embrittled due to galvanic coupling, which may be exacerbated by deficiencies within the grout fill. The objective of this work1 is to quantify the level of galvanic coupling achievable as a function of grout condition and to assess whether such conditions may promote water reduction and hydrogen absorption, resulting in hydrogen embrittlement. Experimental tendon assemblies were used to quantify galvanic coupling. A simulative model was used to estimate the amount of hydrogen that may be absorbed as a function of time, considering the coupling.