Techniques for Assessment of Soil Corrosivity

Abstract Techniques for the assessment of soil corrosivity were evaluated in conjunction with a program for the National Cooperative Highway Research Program on corrosion of steel pilings. The work consisted of a state-of- the-art survey of the literature, field corrosion monitoring, laboratory testing of soils, and the preparation of a recommended practice. The practice will provide guidance to state DOTs in the assessment of the corrosivity of field sites where underground structures have been, or will be, installed. This paper summarizes results of the state-of-the-art survey, the recommended practice, and application of the practice to several existing field sites. Results of the research indicate that a relatively small number of variables are required to describe the corrosivity of a field site. These variables include soil resistivity, pH, soil particle size and the position of the structure with respect to the water table.