Over time, concrete bridge structures exposed to de-icing chemicals and marine environments will see initiation of reinforcing steel corrosion. Visible signs of active corrosion such as cracking, rust staining, spalling, and delamination of concrete cover can occur in as little as 5 to 10 years after activation of corrosion. Left unchecked, chloride-induced corrosion of reinforced concrete structures will lead to an increased need for maintenance and repair and eventual structural issues. Many severely corroded structures have been replaced at great expense and with significant disruption to the public. However, with the proper repair strategy they can be properly rehabilitated, strengthened if necessary, and the service life can be economically extended for in a more sustainable manner than replacement.
Distributed galvanic anodes applied to existing corroding abutments, columns and beams are an effective, low maintenance galvanic cathodic protection rehabilitation option. Performance data collected from several monitored field applications indicate that distributed galvanic anode systems have the ability to deliver effective cathodic protection for 20+ years, providing an efficient, sustainable, and effective service life extension for these structures.