Hydrogen embrittlement of suspension bridge cable wires

Deterioration of suspension bridge cables is demonstrated through stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement. Stress corrosion cracking is usually associated with a cross-sectional area reduction of the wire. Hydrogen embrittlement, however, is associated with a considerable loss of ductility, but with an insignificant loss in the wire's cross-sectional area. Very little work has been focused on the assessment of deterioration of bridge wires due to hydrogen embrittlement. This paper outlines a newly developed model, quantifying the wire degradation due to hydrogen embrittlement.