Corrosion evaluation of helical steel piles in unsaturated tropical soils: a case study

This note presents a case study which aimed to identify the environmental effects that may cause or accelerate corrosion of helical steel piles installed in typical site Brazilian unsaturated tropical soil. For this study, an experimental investigation was carried out based on detailed examination two piles, fabricated with weathering steel, exhumed after approximately four years installation. The pile evaluated through qualitative and quantitative interpretations. results indicate corrosiveness increases markedly as zone groundwater table fluctuation approached, at top soil zone, due higher oxygen concentration. Insignificant detected along length embedded below table. Additionally, inner surface examined closed-end pipe not contact soil, is much less affected by compared outer surface.