Galvanode® ASZ+
Galvanic Systems
Humectant-activated zinc metalizing for corrosion protection of concrete structures.
Disraeli Freeway
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Extending the service life of Winnipeg’s Disraeli Freeway piers with innovative electrochemical and galvanic protection.
Owner: City of Winnipeg
Consultant: Tetra Tech WEI, Inc.
Contractor: Vector Construction, Ltd.
The Disraeli Freeway bridges, built in the 1950s, had suffered severe chloride-induced corrosion from decades of winter de-icing salts. As part of a long-term Design-Build-Finance-Maintain contract, a combined strategy of Electrochemical Chloride Extraction and humectant-activated zinc metalizing was implemented, delivering durable, low-maintenance corrosion protection to extend the piers’ service life by decades.
The Problem
The Disraeli Freeway, a vital link in Winnipeg, Canada, consists of two bridges built in the late 1950s that had suffered significant corrosion due to decades of exposure to winter de-icing salts. A long-term, low-maintenance repair solution was necessary to extend the life of the concrete piers, which were to be retained as part of an innovative Design-Build-Finance-Maintain project. The piers were severely contaminated with chloride ions, which had caused a chronic corrosion problem that required a globally applied mitigation solution.
Our Solution
A targeted corrosion mitigation strategy was implemented to address the chloride contamination and extend the life of the piers. The two land-based piers underwent Electrochemical Chloride Extraction (ECE), a non-destructive process that uses an electric field to draw chloride ions out of the concrete and raise its pH, restoring the reinforcing steel's passive state. For the two piers over the water, a humectant-activated arc-sprayed zinc system was installed. This galvanic protection method used a sacrificial zinc anode applied to the concrete surface, which was activated with a humectant solution to ensure continuous protection without the need for external power or monitoring.
The Result
The combination of ECE and activated zinc metalizing successfully addressed the chronic corrosion problems on all four piers. The ECE treatment reduced chloride content at the steel level by 68% to 88%, while the humectant-activated zinc system provided a self-sustaining protective current. By implementing these targeted and long-lasting solutions, the project met the demanding requirements of the DBFM contract, ensuring the piers would have minimal maintenance over the 30-year period and would be in excellent condition when handed back to the City.
Technology Used
These innovative products and technologies were used on this project.
