Uncoated steel concrete anchor bolt corrosion problem

[SAK123]

I'm involved with a construction project that requires the placement of steel concrete anchor bolts in a high corrosion environment. The location of the construction site is in the South Pacific, namely the island of Guam. Anybody who has ever performed any construction or maintenance in that area of the world is familiar with the extensive corrosion issues that must be dealt with.

I have several hundred plain steel concrete anchors extending 6 inches outside the concrete. They are going to remain in the exposed environment for several months. My customer has come to me and asked for a process or procedure to help prevent that portion of the concrete anchor bolt extended outside the concrete from corroding.

The concrete anchor bolts are specified now without any protective coating, they are specified to be plain steel.

1. Should the bolts be specified to be galvanized steel or zinc plated steel? What is typical - plain steel, galv steel, zinc plated, etc.. ?

2. Is there a process that can be done to the exposed portion of the concrete anchors to eliminate potential corrosion? For example, would putting heavy grease on the exposed anchor bolt and perhaps slipping over a small hose to prevent the grease from being rubbed off during the several months of exposure?

3. Is there any ASTM process or procedure that describes what would be the best approach to prevent the steel from corroding in this high corrosion atmosphere in the South Pacific?

Thanks for any type of input.

 

[hokie66]

Galvanized anchor bolts should be standard in Guam.

You could protect the exposed portion with grease if that would not interfere with a later coating. I take it they will be protected or interior when complete.

You could also paint the exposed part with a steel primer, which should provide the protection you need for a limited time. That is probably a better option than messy grease.

 

[firai]

if you want several months of protection, steel primer probably won't cut it. you should look into more permanent coating options.

 

[emanc]

try asphalt coating, it is suitable for corrosive environment, just remove it later.