Petrofka bridge chloride-induced corrosion assessment

The Petrofka Bridge, a critical steel and concrete crossing over the North Saskatchewan River, exhibited signs of progressive deterioration, prompting a need for a more advanced structural assessment to guide its upcoming major rehabilitation. Our team delivered a consulting-led investigation focused on long-term durability risks and performance forecasting.

Engineering Contributions:

• Embedded Sensor Deployment:
  Corrosion and moisture sensors were strategically installed within the bridge deck to enable year-round monitoring of internal moisture dynamics and reinforcement corrosion rates at multiple depths. This real-time sensing program began in July 2020 and provided a valuable dataset for evaluating in-situ deterioration processes.

• Probabilistic Chloride Ingress Modelling:
  Using site-specific data and mechanistic transport models, we developed a probabilistic framework to estimate the risk and timeline for chloride-induced corrosion. Forecasts indicated that by 2030, approximately 30% of rebars would exceed critical chloride thresholds, triggering active corrosion.

• Model Calibration and Data Integration:
  Model outputs were refined through calibration with chloride concentration profiles obtained from a parallel 2020 regional study. This step enhanced prediction accuracy and aligned assessment outcomes with observed environmental exposure conditions.

Outcome:
Our integrated use of sensor technology and risk-based modelling helped the client identify optimal intervention timing and reduce uncertainty in maintenance decision-making.

This project demonstrates the value of data-informed consulting approaches to infrastructure rehabilitation, offering long-term performance insights and targeted investment strategies.