Effectiveness of Rusted and Non-Rusted Reinforcing Bar Protected by Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection in Repaired Patch Concrete

Abstract

This study focuses on the monitoring of rusted and non-rusted rebar protected by sacrificial anode cathodic protection until 1000 days. Three specimens of RC beam structures having a length of 580 mm and 150x100 mm cross-section are fabricated. Two reinforcing barwith the same surface condition (ø 13 mm) were embedded in mortar parallel to each other with the intermediary distance of 40 mm and the cover depth of 30 mm in the bottom surface of the specimen. Discrete sacrificial zinc anode is connected to one rebar in patch repair section. During the investigation, the specimenswere exposed under three conditions, i.e., 20°C air curing, dry-wet cycle, and dry laboratory air. Potential of both rebar and sacrificial anode was monitored to check the condition of the cathodic protection system. The result indicates that non-rusted rebar condition in repaired patch concrete (chloride-free) is the most desirable initial condition when the sacrificial anode is applied on it to protect corroded steel bar in existing concrete (chloride contamination).