Abstract
A three year program was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of a membrane for the corrosion control of reinforcing steel in the New York World Trade Center parking garage. The six level underground parking garage, located under the two 110-story buildings, has been experiencing corrosion of the reinforced concrete decks. To control corrosion of the reinforcing steel, an epoxy membrane has been applied to the deck surfaces. The effectiveness of the membrane to control the corrosion was questioned. Pre-cast corrosion measurment probes, including a counter electrode and a reference electrode, were designed and installed in 1987 key locations in three parking levels. Twelve probes were installed in areas which were covered with an epoxy membrane and seven probes installed in areas which the membrane was applied during the test program. To determine the effectiveness of the epoxy membrane, corrosion rates have been monitored on a seasonal basis using a computer controlled linear polarization test method.
The paper discusses the testing methodology and performance of the membrane both on a seasonal and long term basis.
