Corrosion in steel bridges exposed to chloride attack from exposure to marine environments or de-icing salts is a significant issue which decreases structural integrity and increases maintenance requirements. Steel bridges exposed to these conditions require regular inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation, which drastically increases life-cycle costs.

This report provides a comprehensive literature review which highlights important issues related to corrosion in steel bridges with the objective of identifying shortcomings in current practice in Pennsylvania and identifying novel methods for further study and/or possible implementation. First, common forms of corrosion in steel infrastructure are reviewed. Next, corrosion prevention, mitigation and repair strategies are discussed including strategies currently utilized in Pennsylvania and by other state DOTs. Finally, promising corrosion prevention, mitigation and repair solutions are recommended. These solutions include: (1) implementing duplex coating systems, (2) identifying and evaluating novel approaches to prevent and mitigate crevice corrosion, (3) developing AI enabled corrosion monitoring methodologies, (4) eliminating joints in existing structures using debonded link slabs, and (5) further developing in-situ repair strategies for corrosion damaged components.