ABSTRACT
Cathodic protection (CP) of reinforced concrete structures has become increasingly popular and is being routinely installed on many structures around the world. Generally, the couplant to electrolytically connect the primary anode to the concrete substrate is grout, mortar or sprayed concrete with a hydraulic cement base. One of the most important mechanisms explaining how CP works is that as pitting or general corrosion is stopped at more corrosive locations, the resistance of this ionic pathway increases causing the current to flow to another locations. Experiments to test acidification at between 3 and 36 times higher current densities than that which is permitted by present standards have been undertaken by various researchers in different countries. It stated that 'acid formation at the anode, at least at moderate current densities, is not critical for the service life of CP systems. However, it may be relevant for local high current densities'.
