Subsequently, a handbook type of document should be published. Included 

 in this document would be data obtained by a systematic survey of existing 

 ocean concrete structures, particularly those that are well-documented as 

 to specifications and actual construction. Within the United States, there 

 are numerous such structures that would yield valuable data spanning a 50- 

 year time period. For example, the effects of the two different environ- 

 ments - seawater and fresh water - on Washington State's floating 

 concrete bridges might provide valuable data on the role of chlorides in 

 the process of corrosion. 



The North Sea concrete structures are being built to specifications 

 that reflect present-day knowledge of durability and corrosion resistance. 

 A program should be instituted to monitor these structures. The concrete 

 technology used in these structures will most likely be used in the OTEC 

 structures. One of the better assurances that the OTEC structure will 

 perform properly will be to record how the North Sea structures perform. 

 The North Sea structures will be inspected periodically by regulating 

 agencies, such as Det Norske Veritas or Lloyd's of London. The inspection 

 will be for the serviceability of the structure (i.e., is the structure 

 still safe for personnel and environment?). It is not likely that the in- 

 spection will cover detailed research topics that would exceed the minimum 

 level of effort to obtain certification. Perhaps a joint venture between 

 an Environmental Research and Development Agency contractor and a regulating 

 agency can be arranged (with the cooperation of the owner of the structure) to 



conduct additional studies on these North Sea structures and thus obtain data not 



otherwise obtained in routine inspections. 



33 



