Cathodic protection of RC structures - Far more than bridge decks

When the first trials with Cathodic Protection (CP) on reinforced concrete (RC) structures were carried out nearly 30 years ago the main aim was treating steel in bridge decks, suffering from chloride induced corrosion. Various types of anode systems (conductive asphalt, conductive mortars, carbon fibre strips, since the early 1980s titanium mesh) were deployed and placed upon or cast into a conventional concrete overlay. Over the years the method has developed and refined significantly, both with respect to materials and components available and the way installations are being designed, operated and monitored. In particular activated titanium (mesh, strip and wire) and conductive coatings have proved to be successful over time. Today tailor-made products are commercially available, and experts within the field are able to design any type of installation, meeting the requirements stated in European and International codes and regulations. In general the confidence in the effectiveness of CP has improved and the method has gained wide acceptance. This development has been possible thanks to significant efforts within research and development and the ever-underlying need for effective maintenance of concrete structures world-wide. In this paper four cases concerning CP application to balconies and beams are described. The choice of the anode system as well as some relevant monitoring data is presented. All installations are operating according to expectations and within the frames set by international codes.