A Galvanic Zinc-Hydrogel System For Cathodic Protection Of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract Installations of galvanic cathodic protection anodes have been completed on bridge structures in Illinois, Virginia, Florida, Wisconsin, and Oregon, on parking garages in Illinois and Wisconsin, on high voltage transmission tower footings in California, and on condominium balconies in Florida. Some of these installations involve prestressed concrete. The installation of these systems will be described in detail and monitoring data will be presented for at least six months of active service. The system consists of a 10 mil zinc foil bonded to an ionically conductive hydrogel adhesive, which is applied directly to the surface of the steel-reinforced concrete. A copper wire connects the zinc anode to multiple steel rebars and/or strands. The performance is monitored by measuring the current flow in the wire, by measuring the amount of zinc consumed or, more generally, by taking depolarization readings at regular intervals. All of these measurements are an indication of the performance of the galvanic system and the corrosion of the steel rebars that is being prevented.