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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

force and it is not until the external force has exceeded the preloading force<br />

when a substantial increase <strong>of</strong> internal force <strong>of</strong> the bolt will occur.<br />

6. Why are insulating washers installed between steel bolts and<br />

connecting aluminium plates? (BF4)<br />

Corrosion <strong>of</strong> aluminium can be triggered by putting it in contact with<br />

another metal in the presence <strong>of</strong> water. This is known as bimetallic<br />

corrosion or galvanic corrosion. The mechanism <strong>of</strong> such corrosion is the<br />

formation <strong>of</strong> a cell in moist condition so that an electric current is generated<br />

to flow between the two metals in direct contact. The degree <strong>of</strong> corrosion is<br />

influenced by the nature <strong>of</strong> connecting metals, their electrode potential,<br />

their areas, conductivity <strong>of</strong> fluid etc.<br />

When aluminium plates are connected together by means <strong>of</strong> steel bolts,<br />

bimetallic corrosion may occur. Where there is presence <strong>of</strong> a good<br />

electrolyte like seawater, there may be local attack on aluminium.<br />

Therefore, some jointing compound or insulating insert and washer are<br />

adopted to insulate electrically the dissimilar metals from one another [1].<br />

388

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