ABSTRACT
Galvanic anodes were trialled in the 1960s by the US Highways Administration where the anodes were placed directly in the concrete to protect the steel reinforcement, which was actively corroding. A problem with patch repairs in chloride-contaminated concrete structures causing further corrosion was noted, and solutions were researched. The history of using certain metals to galvanically protect other metals from corrosion by Sir Humphrey Davy and his pupil Michael Faraday is well known. The aim was to protect ships in salt water. Many commercial galvanic anode systems have been brought to the market for use directly in or on concrete. First, they were supposed to prevent corrosion from occurring, cathodic prevention, and secondly, some of the systems being offered are stated to be in full compliance for the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete, Compliance with this standard has the aim of preventing ongoing corrosion from continuing.
