Cathodic Protection of Concrete Bridge Decks Using Titanium-mesh Anodes

About the report:

Anodes are a critical component of cathodic protection systems. A continuous research effort in Virginia is being aimed at searching for the most suitable anode for use in cathodic protection of the various types of concrete bridge components that are exposed to intrusion by chloride ions. As part of this effort, three different catalyzed titanium mesh anodes were tested, side by side, in a cathodic protection system that was designed and constructed (in conjunction with the rehabilitation of several concrete deck spans) to prevent further reinforcement corrosion-related damage to these structures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this type of new anode is suitable for application in bridge decks, and if any of the three mesh anodes tested in this study excels over the other. It was observed during construction that the installation of these mesh anodes is compatible with the normal construction procedures involved in the rehabilitation of bridge decks. Observations made during the first four years of operation indicated that, among all the different types of anodes tested to date for bridge decks, the three mesh anodes tested in this study were the most effective. These newly tested anodes probably have a considerably longer service life than other anodes that have been tested to date. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the operational characteristics of the three mesh anodes tested in this study.

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