Methodology to study cost of corrosion

Abstract

It is essential to have an in-depth understanding of corrosion phenomena, from both a scientific and a technological viewpoint, in order to develop strategies that minimise the costs associated with the corrosion of materials. Looked at in this way, corrosion can be seen to be not merely an economic problem. Studies of the Cost of Corrosion have been undertaken in several countries, including Japan, UK, USA, and have estimated losses to the national economy due to corrosion of up to 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This high cost stems directly from a general lack of awareness of the economic impact of corrosion, and the poor selection of protection measures. Although a definitive method to determine corrosion costs has not been established, the main methods that have been applied are the Uhlig method, which calculates corrosion related costs based on corrosion prevention methods; the Hoar method, which makes estimates in various industrial sectors, and the Input/Output method, based on an Input/Output matrix. The present study summarises the methods that have been widely used, and the results obtained in each one of the countries in which they have been applied. On this basis, a programme is proposed to estimate the costs of corrosion associated with several important industrial activities.