Conductive Concrete for Cathodic Protection of Bridge Decks

The damage caused by corrosion of the steel reinforcement is a prime factor of bridge deterioration. Cathodic protection (CP) is a leading method for the protection against corrosion. Sacrificial anodes and impressed current are the two CP systems being used to control corrosion. The impressed current (ICCP) system however, is the commonly used CP system with concrete structures. The recent innovation of conductive concrete has led to the consideration of using this new concrete matrix for CP systems. This research evaluates the feasibility of using a conductive concrete overlay as an anode to be cast on the top of a bridge deck. Specimens with variable dimensions were evaluated in accordance with the National Association of Corrosion Engineers requirements. The results showed that the conductive concrete overlay demonstrated the required characteristics to be considered as an effective anode for CP systems.