Innovative Steel Component Module Repair Approach for Waterfront Infrastructure

The Perrigo Technology, Inc. team proposes an innovative, multi- discipline research program to develop a rapid repair system by integrating emerging corrosion control technology with many recent developments in the use of steel components to strengthen concrete structures. The proposed repair system consists of prefabricated "steel component modules" suitable for various common repair scenarios, supplemented by a combination of protective coatings, cathodic protection, proper corrosion design configurations and procedures to minimize material degradation during transportation, storage and installation. The proposed repair methods combine corrosion control advances with recent innovative structural and construction engineering developments in the following areas: 1) the use of steel plates to strengthen concrete members, 2) the steel/concrete composite construction, and 3) various pile replacement retrofit methods with steel pipe piles. The repair system will be designed for easy transportation, storage, and installation. It also will be suited for rapid repairs in emergency conditions where it is necessary to ensure continuous port operation. Based on extensive previous studies and field-proven methods, the proposed research has a great potential for significant early return on the investment by reducing repair costs.