A two-dimensional finite difference simulation was developed to study the behavior of cathodic protection (CP) systems for actively corroding reinforced concrete structural elements. The potential and current distributions in a simplified rectangular geometry were determined. Input parameters were based upon available experimental data. The model indicated that: (1) environmental conditions at the structure, particularly the degree to which concrete pores are saturated with water, greatly affect system performance; (2) in drier conditions, bulk resistivity of the concrete limits the current, while in moist conditions, oxygen becomes depleted and water reduction commences; and (3) large variations can occur in the interfacial potential difference along the steel-concrete interface.

Subject
Water, Rebar, Zinc anodes, Iron, Pores, Current densities, Electrical resistivity, Oxygen, Zinc, Risk reduction, Electrodes, Concrete, Electrode potential
Keywords:
alkaline environments, anodes, bridges, cathodic protection, chloride, current, potential, reinforced concrete, reinforcing steel, zinc
NACE International
1999
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