Case Study: Delaware River Port Authority achieves long-term cable corrosion protection with Thornton Tomasetti

Delaware River Port Authority protects 1,750-ft Benjamin Franklin Bridge cables with Thornton Tomasetti

The Delaware River Port Authority faced a challenge preserving the main cables of the 96-year-old Benjamin Franklin Bridge after an inspection uncovered wire damage caused by moisture-induced corrosion. The cables were filled with congealed oil, which complicated traditional dehumidification efforts. Thornton Tomasetti was engaged to provide a solution to protect this critical infrastructure.

Thornton Tomasetti implemented an innovative cable dehumidification system. They conducted blow tests to determine optimal air injection and ejection points, then wrapped the cables in a membrane and used a sensor-controlled system to pump in dry air. This was the first time such dehumidification was performed on oil-filled bridge cables. The solution from Thornton Tomasetti improved the cables' resilience and will continuously monitor and protect them from corrosion well into the future.

Delaware River Port Authority