Cathodic Protection of Reinforced Concrete Structures in The Netherlands — Experience and Developments

Abstract

Cathodic protection (CP) of reinforcing steel in concrete structures has been used successfully for over 20 years. CP is able to stop corrosion in a reliable and economical way where chloride contamination has caused reinforcement corrosion and subsequent cocnrete damage. To new structures where corrosion is anticipated, cathodic prevention can be applied. In the Netherlands, CP was introduced in 1987 and since then 20 full scale projects were executed. In all cases, alternatives such as replacement of the elements or conventional repair were considered, but CP was preferred for reasons of practicability, safety and durability. Most structures with CP in the Netherlands concern mixed in chloride and relatively small precast concrete elements. In 1996, CP was applied to parts of a post-tensioned bridge. This paper describes the history, the principles and three examples.