Experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of localized cathodic polarization for reducing corrosion of simulated prestressed concrete piles containing continuous and segmented tendons exposed to seawater. Conductive rubber was used as the anode material. Corrosion of the steel was enhanced for most specimens by admixturing calcium chloride during concrete pouring. The specimens were cathodically polarized at constant potentials (current on) ranging from -0.72 to -1.10 V(sce). The magnitude of impressed current and its distribution along the embedded steel were monitored as a function of exposure time and level of polarization. Potential distribution for both the continuous and segmented tendons was also measured. The level of cathodic polarization was assessed as a function of position along the specimens by the depolarization method and by post-test visual inspection. Protection was achieved at locations where instant off potentials were more negative than -0.75 V(sce). Polarization was negligible for heights greater than about a decimeter above the anode. The results are discussed within the context of protecting actual marine pilings from corrosion.

Subject
Depolarization, Water, Materials, Anode potential, Tendons, Pilings, Free corrosion potential, Seawater, Current densities, Steel, Concrete, Electrode potential, Anodes
© 1992 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1992
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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