Protection of steel in concrete using galvanic and hybrid electrochemical treatments

In this study, data from galvanic and hybrid electrochemical treatments applied to structures is analysed. It is shown that the protection of steel in concrete using galvanic anodes finds theoretical support from a basis of improving the environment or maintaining a benign environment at the steel. Protection current output responds to the aggressive nature of the environment and, as a result, galvanic anodes have substantially longer lives than originally predicted. Monitoring is preferably focused on monitoring the effect of the protection on the condition of the structure and may be achieved by monitoring either steel corrosion rate and/or steel corrosion potential. Monitoring is preferably combined with a risk management option such as a facility to apply a temporary impressed current treatment to arrest active corrosion if a risk is identified. An allowance for new galvanic protection criteria has been made in the latest European standard on Cathodic Protection of Steel in Concrete.