CATHODIC PROTECTION OF CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS IN ALASKA

A cathodic protection system that requires less overlay thickness than other systems is currently being tested on three reinforced concrete bridge decks in Alaska. In this method, a series of parallel grooves are cut in the bridge deck, and anodic wires are grouted into them. The anodes themselves are thus widely distributed over the deck, and the conductive layer is eliminated, although a wearing course is still required. The performance of these systems will be monitored in hopes that the data gathered will result in a better understanding of both the physical and economic effectiveness of these systems and lead to improved designs in the future.