Reinforced concrete structures in marine and chloride-rich environments face a persistent challenge: corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement. Left untreated, corrosion can reduce structural performance, shorten service life, and lead to costly repairs or premature replacement.
That’s why we were pleased to contribute to the research paper:
“Optimised cathodic protection design for maximum bond performance in reinforced concrete” by Fin O’Flaherty, Chinh Van Nguyen, Paul Lambert, Pal Mangat, and Graeme Jones.
The study explores how impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) can be optimised to maximise long-term durability while preserving the critical bond between steel reinforcement and concrete.
In reinforced concrete, the bond between steel and concrete is essential. It allows the two materials to work together structurally. If corrosion progresses unchecked, that bond can eventually deteriorate, reducing structural reliability and service life.
Cathodic protection is already recognised as one of the most effective methods of controlling reinforcement corrosion. However, there has historically been concern that excessive cathodic protection current densities could negatively affect the steel-to-concrete bond over long periods of time.
This research set out to answer an important practical question:
Can ICCP systems be designed to provide long-term corrosion protection without compromising bond performance?
The study examined 16 reinforced concrete pull-out specimens with varying levels of pre-corrosion:
Different ICCP current densities were then applied, including levels significantly higher than those normally used in practice. These accelerated conditions allowed the team to simulate decades of long-term performance within a practical laboratory timeframe.
The researchers analysed:
For bridge owners, marine asset operators, and infrastructure managers, the findings support a more performance-based approach to cathodic protection design.
Rather than simply applying higher currents for additional protection, the research demonstrates the value of:
The work also supports more sustainable infrastructure management by helping existing reinforced concrete assets remain in service for longer.
The findings are particularly relevant for:
As infrastructure owners increasingly focus on whole-life performance and resilience, optimised ICCP design becomes an important tool in extending operational life safely and efficiently.
