Training Engineers in Corrosion Prevention

Many Engineers who after their period of University training, work in design offices have had little, or no experience of corrosion and its prevention. The need to provide information of this type in order to ensure an adequate life for the structures designed, arises because of the very large cost of corrosion, the order of 5% of the GNP in developed countries, and the possibility of saving about 1% of GNP by proper application of known techniques.

Several international bodies are sponsoring programmes of awareness and scientific research including the European Economic Community, the European Federation of Corrosion, and the International Corrosion Council. National bodies also are contributing to this activity various governmental organisations, and research groups. The impact of this activity which has grown very rapidly over the last ten years will only be fully assessed when it is seen to what extent the life expectancy of structures has been improved. However, an increased awareness of corrosion and a means for its prevention amongst Engineers, and among the general public, should be beneficial.