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Case Histories

    Boca Chica Bridge in Key West, USA

This bridge is a 4-span, 2-lane structure servicing southbound traffic on US 1 near Key West, FL. The first span from the south end of the bridge uses galvanized reinforcing steel in the bridge deck. The decks are simple spans supported by prestressed concrete girders. The bridge is only a few feet from the surface of the seawater.

This bridge provides a vital transportation link from mainland Florida to the Florida Keys. While other key bridges on US 1 have been removed and replaced due to severe corrosion, this structure has been in place since 1972. Some of the other replacement bridges, on which galvanized reinforcing steel was not used, are now showing signs of corrosion . This structure, however, has remained corrosion-free since 1972. The chloride levels that have been measured at the galvanized bar surface are 2.5-5 times the level that would begin the corrosion process on uncoated reinforcing steel, and the galvanizing is continuing to do an excellent job of protecting the reinforcing steel.