Application of Cathodic Prevention in a New Concrete Bridge Deck in Virginia

Report No: 03-R11

Published in 2003

About the report:

Corrosion of reinforcement in concrete bridges has been a major factor in limiting the service life of many such structures. As part of a concerted effort to identify cost-effective options for eliminating corrosion of reinforcement, the application of cathodic prevention was tried in a recently constructed concrete bridge deck. The incorporation of an impressed-current cathodic prevention system in a new concrete bridge deck while it was being constructed was made possible by the use of titanium mesh ribbon anodes coated with mixed-metal oxide. The anodes were spaced 32 cm (13 in.) apart and transversely across the entire bridge deck to allow for the trouble-free placement of the concrete. The system has been operating for almost 2 years with no extraordinary problems. A comparison of the long-term cost of this option with those of other options, such as the use of corrosion-resistant clad bars or stainless-steel bars, indicated that this option is not economically favorable.

Documents

03-R11

_{Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.}

Authors

G. G. Clemeña, Milton B. Pritchett, Claude S. Napier

Last updated: December 3, 2023