Impact and Corrosion Prevention Using Polymer Composite Wrapping and Galvanic Cathodic Protection System for Pilings at Kawaihae Harbor

DoD piers and wharves, most of which are over 50 years old, are often supported by reinforced concrete piles. These piles are exposed to seawater that can cause severe corrosion of the steel and concrete spalling. The damage contributes to an annual maintenance cost of $99M for the waterfront structures that they support.
Fiber reinforced polymeric composite (FRP) wrapping systems have been evolving and are now a viable solution to repair concrete structural piles.  These wrap systems, in marine applications, have not proven to be completely successful since the FRP wrap may contain the concrete but not fully arrest the corrosion.  Other systems are limited in their structural capabilities and abrasion resistance.
This paper describes a hybrid pile repair system that uses a FRP wrap that can be placed and cured underwater and is integrated with galvanic cathodic protection.   The system will provide corrosion and impact resistance and greatly reduce maintenance costs. Demonstration of the system on the support piles for two dolphin pier structures in Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii will be documented.  Monitoring of the corrosion potential of the reinforcing steel and the effectiveness of the wrap to protect the both the concrete and steel will be assessed and reported.