Corrosion is a strikingly common issue in most fields. While corrosion can mean anything from mild car exterior rust to major structural integrity issues that threaten lives, it’s important to know the ways it commonly impacts things. We discuss the most common structural effects of corrosion.
Weakened structures
Structures can easily loose their strength, and thus their integrity, when corroded. Weakened structures threaten to crack, buckle, fall, or even completely compromise the structure. Depending on the type of structure, this corrosive issue can lead to injuries or even deaths. Structures such as bridges, buildings, and pipelines should receive regular inspections to prevent corrosion from manifesting and compromising the structural integrity of the area. The following structures weakened by corrosion are more susceptible to develop these issues:
- Fatigue
- Lowered bond strength
- Reduced ductility
- Lowered overall capacity
Cracks, breaks, and holes
When a structure corrodes, the corrosion can lead to cracks, breaks, or holes in the structure. For residential cars, this simply means a rust hole, but for pipelines, it could mean disaster. Getting a gas pipeline cathodic protection system is an essential for all larger gas pipelines, as the results of major corrosion on pipelines can devastate a company financially and socially. Some other structures that commonly experience dangerous cracks, breaks, and holes include the following:
- Bridges
- Buildings
- Construction equipment
- Pipelines
- Concrete structures
- Metal structures
- Support beams
Corrosion is a dangerous chemical reaction that can have drastic results that impact companies and consumers alike. It’s important to regularly inspect any potentially corroded areas and structures to prevent damage, injury, and unnecessary costs. Loss of strength can rapidly turn into a compromised or failing structure. It’s best to catch issues early with regular inspections and the use of prevention methods. At Dreiym Engineering, we help preserve your structure by employing our talented engineers to assess any potential hazards your structures may experience.
