Curtis

ABSTRACT Oregon has a spectacular, rugged coastline graced by a majestic collection of internationally recognized bridges designed by Oregon’s State Bridge Engineer, Conde B. McCullough, between 1919 and 1936. McCullough’s bridges are noted for their innovative engineering and intricate Art Deco detailing. Oregon DOT has undertaken restoring these historic bridges and applying thermal-sprayed zinc anodes that provides cathodic protection (CP) to the rebar while retaining the bridge surface details. A multidisciplinary preservation engineering team provides specifications to restore the bridges to their original form and insure the effective application of the CP. The Team then monitors the installation and operation of the CP systems to ensure adequate protection of the rebar. The expected life of the zinc anode is 25 years and may be reapplied indefinitely for extended protection.

Biography:

Curtis began his career as an electric utility construction estimator in 1978. He
spent fifteen years learning the electric utility business from home services to
the high voltage transmission lines. Over the next fifteen years, he became a
thermal spray coatings expert and helped publish many Cathodic Protection
research papers utilizing cutting edge technology to protect steel from
corrosion inside concrete bridges. He spent twelve years as a mentor, training
engineers and specialists in Power Quality and Distribution Planning for CPS
Energy, the electric utility in San Antonio. Retired in 2020.
BSEE Power Systems and Instrumentation, Oregon State University 1978.

Address:San Antonio, United States