This work examines the current response of installed ‘hybrid’ (combined impressed current and
sacrificial) anodes to changes in environmental conditions and investigates the effect of this
‘responsive behavior’ on anode lifespan. The behavior reported is also discussed in terms of its
correlation with the two reported models regarding the criteria for steel protection/passivity in
concrete. The study showed that current passed by the installed anode was responsive to changes
in temperature, moisture and concrete chloride content during both the impressed current and
galvanic phases of the hybrid treatment. This meant that anode life was conserved in benign
conditions and shortened when the concrete environment was aggressive. It was also seen that a
high current density impressed current treatment ‘activated’ the installed anode, allowing it to pass a
much higher current during the galvanic phase of the treatment. The data collected fits better with
the Acidification - Pit Re-alkalization model for corrosion monitoring of steel in atmospheric
concrete, rather than the Pitting Potential - Repassivation model used frequently in the industry.
Key words: Hybrid anode, sacrificial anode, re-alkalization, re-passivation, responsive behavior,
galvanic, pitting, impressed current, hydroxide.