Application of dehumidification as anti-corrosion technology on suspension bridges: A review

The moisture from residual droplets during construction and infiltration of wet air during operation can cause metal corrosion of main cables on suspension bridges. Main cable dehumidification, emerged as a prospective corrosion protection approach, which provides an internal environment of relative humidity below 60%, would significantly mitigate the corrosion. This paper presents a state-of-the-art listicle review of existing dehumidification systems implemented on 47 suspension bridges (e.g., the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the Runyang Yangtze River Bridge). Dehumidification methods adopted in suspension bridges, including solid desiccant dehumidification, condensing dehumidification and integrated dehumidification, are elaborated. Based on that, crucial limitations and adaptations of various systems for main cable applications are discussed. Then, technical suggestions concerning the moisture load matching, sensor configurations, full-bridge sealings, dehumidification equipment placement and system division, are given to realize system sustainability and energy efficiency. Finally, this paper examined one potential development of a multi-stage dehumidification system that uses condensing dehumidification and solid desiccant dehumidification, which facilitates cascade utilization of the waste energy and enhances the system efficiency.

Automated summary

The study highlights the importance of main cable dehumidification in mitigating metal corrosion of main cables on suspension bridges, with successful implementations on 47 bridges. It discusses crucial limitations and adaptations of various dehumidification methods, as well as technical suggestions for system design to effectively reduce corrosion.