Experience and recent innovations in cathodic protection of steel in concrete

Abstract

This paper reviews 25 years of experience with cathodic protection of steel in concrete in The Netherlands. Three phases have passed from the late 1980s until present: pioneering, development and maturity. In the first period CP was mainly applied to precast elements corroding due to mixed in chlorides. The parties involved worked together to draw up a Technical Guideline. In the second period, application to bridges was developed, including post-tensioned structures, which was then innovative. Furthermore, galvanic anode systems were introduced. In the third period, CP became a fully accepted method of securing safety and serviceability. The annual number of projects increases considerably and increased competition has reduced prices. Renewed collaboration led to a database that allowed analysis of various aspects of CP system working life; and to new developments in modelling. Major successes and lessons learned will be presented. Technical and non-technical developments are highlighted and some recent findings on long term behaviour are discussed