Don’t Store Chemicals by Columns
To eliminate chemical damage to columns, do not store chemical materials next to columns and maintain and repair bridge joints.

Figure 5-9. Column deterioration from chemical solution contamination.

Figure 5-10. Close up of the damage. Notice the #9 bars are starting to buckle. Two reasons this could be happening: 1. Rust could be pushing on concrete causing the buckling. 2. The column could be shortening. This bridge was replaced after 20 years of service.

Figure 5-11. Salt storage under a bridge next to bridge columns.

Figure 5-12. Damage created due to the salt storage.