Effect of temperature on tribo-corrosion behaviors of parallel steel wires of main cable in the suspension bridge

The effect of temperature on tribo-corrosion behaviors of parallel steel wires of main cable in the suspension bridge was investigated in the present study. The self-made tribo-corrosion test rig was employed to conduct tribo-corrosion tests of parallel steel wires in 3.5% (wt%) NaCl solution and deionized water with distinct temperature. The coefficient of friction, wear loss and wear coefficient of steel wires were presented. Morphologies and chemical elements of wear scars of steel wires were measured by the scanning electron microscope and electron spectrometer, respectively, in order to explore wear mechanisms of steel wires. Tafel polarization curves, Nyquist diagram and equivalent circuit diagram were obtained by the electrochemical analyzer to investigate electrochemical corrosion behaviors of steel wires. Finally, the interaction between corrosion and wear of steel wires were quantitatively demonstrated. The results show that the coefficient of friction, wear volume and wear coefficient of parallel steel wires all increase with increasing temperature in cases of deionized water and 3.5% NaCl solution. Wear mechanisms of parallel steel wires are adhesive wear, abrasive wear and corrosive wear in the 3.5% NaCl solution as compared to adhesive wear and abrasive wear in the deionized water. An increase of temperature reduces the corrosion resistance of parallel steel wires in the 3.5% NaCl solution, while the interaction of corrosion and wear increases with increasing temperature indicating the synergistic effect. The results are of important fundamental significance to the load-bearing safety of main cable and improvement of service stability of suspension bridge.