Laclede County Highway 5 Bridge

Recently, the Lebanon County Missouri DOT found themselves in a dilemma. The proposed Highway 5 bridge was to be built over a bog that remains wet year round. Engineers considered Corten Steel, concrete and galvanized steel for the support structure. Considering reports of Corten Steel corrosion in consistent moisture areas and concrete spalling, galvanizing was chosen for this experimental structure.

... Specifying, fabricating, and installing galvanized steel is a simple and effective process.

The pilings traditionally made of concrete were instead designed to be made using galvanized steel based on galvanizing's history of long lasting corrosion protection is hostile environments. Driving the galvanized steel pilings into the bedrock proved to be the toughest part of the job as specifying, fabricating, and installing galvanizing steel is a simple and effective process.

MODOT will monitor this project to confirm their expectations of a long corrosion free life of the galvanized supports. This project will serve as an example of how galvanizing can provide long lasting corrosion protection in environments where other materials will fail.