Evaluation of the corrosive effect on the durability of the Leimet ABB+ 400 pile joint for precast reinforced concrete piles

Introduction. The application of the Leimet ABB+ 400 pile joint appears to be a promising and technologically effective method of the connecting the sections of precast reinforced concrete piles. Currently, the issues of corrosion protection measures and service life forecasting for this type of joints are understudied.

Aim. The aim of the research involves the determination of the qualitative and quantitative parameters of corrosion damage to the pin joint elements affected by the specified liquid corrosive under various methods of corrosion protection.

Methods and materials. The studied samples included fragments of the Leimet ABB+ 400 pile joint between the sections of precast reinforced concrete piles. Three series of samples differing by the methods of corrosion protection were considered, including completely unprotected, with the galvanization of locking dowels combined with lubrication of locking elements by lithium-based inhibited grease, as well as with the selective application of bituminous cold mastic. The program of accelerated corrosion tests according to the GOST R 9.905-2007 was developed and implemented. The following two testing modes were included in the program: permanent exposure of the samples to 5 % sodium chloride water solution for the entire testing period; 8- and 16-hour cycles of exposing samples to 5 % sodium chloride water solution and to the air, respectively.

Results. Based on the results of accelerated corrosion tests, the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the corrosive damage to the elements of the Leimet ABB+ 400 pile joint was performed. The results of forecasting their service life according to the conditional criteria are provided. The pin joint elements susceptible to the corrosion in a liquid corrosive medium were identified.

Conclusions. In the framework of the study, the most effective way of anti-corrosion protection of the Leimet ABB+ 400 pile joint was identified as the galvanization of the locking dowels combined with lubrication of the locking elements by the inhibited lithium-based grease. At the end of accelerated corrosion tests, the samples protected according to this method demonstrated no signs of corrosion damage. This method is applicable for ensuring the conditional service life of the pin connection under the exposure to highly aggressive liquid medium during the period considerably exceeding 25 years. Nevertheless, further refining studies of this issue are required.

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