MODELING THE CORROSION RATE OF UNEXPLODED ORDNANCES

A windows based computer model has been developed that predicts the corrosion rate of unexploded ordnances (UXO)in various soils. The model consists of three corrosion rate methods, one subjective (DeChema) and two quantitative. These methods require input data on the physical and chemical properties of the soils and the metals buried in the soils. Two of the methods are available from the literature as the DeChema Method and the California Chart for metal culverts. The third method of corrosion rate prediction was developed in this study from field data on unexploded ordnances and the soils associated with the UXO. As of this time a total of 7 soil and UXO metal combinations have been used to establish the data base. Initial statistics show a strong correlation between laboratory soil resistivity, iron concentration in the soil, and bicarbonate concentration in the soil. Progress is being made to expand the existing data base. The Solmineq88 software package has been incorporated in the model to predict which mineral scales are likely to form on the metal surface. Some of these scales could reduce the potential corrosion rate.