State-of-the-art review of cathodic protection for reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

Cathodic protection (CP) limits the corrosion of a metal surface by making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell.This can be achieved either by using a more active sacrificial anode to create a driving current, or by using inert anodes and impressing a current onto the cathode surface using an external direct current (DC) source. Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is preferred where widespread protection is required, particularly in reinforced concrete structures. ICCP needs a constant DC power supply that is usually provided through a grid connection or independent generators. This paper presents the currently available CP systems for reinforced concrete, particularly ICCP, and the possibility of using self-sufficient and renewable energy systems. The potential for overcoming the mismatch (due to intermittent current) in energy provision from renewable sources with energy needs for CP (constant current) is discussed by exploring methods of storing energy and examining the level of protection provided by intermittent current. Areas that require further research to optimise the design of such systems are highlighted.

Economic analysis of DC power sources used in impressed current cathodic protection of underground pipelines

“…In (5) CP technique for protecting concrete structures from corrosion attack using a transformer rectifier is discussed in general.…”

Discussion: Hybrid anode concrete corrosion protection – independent study

“…These citations provide adequate explanation and further references to the mathematical and experimental analysis undertaken on the accuracy and sensitivity of the Butler-Volmer equation (Christodoulou et al, 2010). Further research was also undertaken into the accuracy and variability of corrosion current densities using both polarisation resistance and transient response methods, acknowledging their limitations, together with proposed improvements for accuracy and consistency by developing an alternative circuit model and associated mathematical derivation of corrosion current density from the frequency to the time domain (Christodoulou et al, 2012).…”

“…Various research papers discuss the reduced maintenance requirements of galvanic systems compared with impressed current systems (Broomfield, 2000;Byrne et al, 2016;Polder, 1998;Polder et al, 2014;Sohanghpurwala, 2009;Wilson et al, 2013). Such technologies are based on the principle of galvanic cells, which do not require mechanical and electrical equipment that would need a relatively higher level of maintenance and also have a manufacturerdisclosed annual maintenance cycle, service life and replacement life.…”

“…This is a similar discussion to that raised by Dr Chris Atkins (LE1, reader's comment 2). The authors feel that this comment has been addressed in its entirety in authors' response 2 above (LE1) regarding the sensitivity of the Butler-Volmer equation and the accuracy and variability of corrosion current densities using both polarisation resistance and transient response methods (Christodoulou et al, 2010(Christodoulou et al, , 2012.…”

Hydronium Detection in Hardened Concrete

“…For instance: nuclear reactors, chemical industry, etc. Also, the hydrogen can be generated in structures where is used without any control of the potential the cathodic protection (impressed current) (Byrne, Norton, and Holmes, 2016;Enos, Williams, Clemeña, and Scully, 1998;Ishii, Seki, Fukute, and Ikawa, 1998).…”