Predictive Modelling Of Corrosion Rates Of Jetty Components In Port Harcourt Environment

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined the effect of corrosion on structural integrity and longevity of jetty components in Port Harcourt environment. The assessment focused on depreciation of handrails, piers and concrete-embedded rods within these Jetties.

Objectives: the objective of this research is to develop a predictive model for jetties for effective management and monitoring of jetty

Methods:  The research used results obtained by recent investigation on corrosion rate of steel components of the Jetties to a developed a model expressed in terms of seawater pH, depreciated thickness and time. This was complemented by analytical modelling approach to evaluate the effect of corrosion rate on the lifespan of the jetty components. The corrosion rate of steel materials of the jetties was modelled in terms of seawater pH, weight loss of the steel material, and duration of immersion of the structure in seawater. To achieve this, multiple regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the model coefficients

Results:  The regression analysis of the corrosion rate model demonstrates a high degree of correlation between the independent variables (measurement time, seawater pH, pier thickness depreciation) and the dependent variable (corrosion rate). The regression statistics show a very strong relationship, with a multiple R of 0.9998 and an R-square value of 0.9996, indicating that the model explains 99.96% of the variance in the corrosion rate data. The constant of the model was determined as -0.05929, while the coefficients for time, t, seawater pH and pier thickness depreciation, ẟ are determined as -1.00257, 0.041652 and 1.001968, respectively

Conclusions: There is high degree of correlation between the independent variables (time, seawater pH, and depreciated pier thickness) and corrosion rate, with 99.96% of measured corrosion rate explained by the predictive model. The developed corrosion model can serve as useful tool in managing corrosion risks associated with jetties and other infrastructures built within seawater surroundings.