Maintenance and monitoring of anchorages: case studies

Three field case histories of permanent anchorage corrosion are reported, where the conditions of the ground or groundwater and anchorage components are quantified. Each case is discussed in detail to illustrate the nature of the problem encountered, how it was investigated and the lessons learned. When corrosion is discovered and the environmental conditions are established, the paper illustrates the value of detailed metallurgical examination and testing to investigate the nature, intensity and extent of the corrosion, in order to determine the risk of failure and the most appropriate remedial measures. These range from replacement or downgrading service loads to re-establishment of a corrosion-free environment and corrosion protection to maintain the original design intent.