Abstract
Cathodic protection systems for reinforced concrete structures often employ embedded anode arrays positioned in close proximity to the reinforcing steel cathode that extend over large areas of the target structure surface. While the objective of the anode array arrangement is to provide a uniform cathodic current density to the target reinforcing steel surfaces, these anode arrays are particularly susceptible to attenuation. Insufficient consideration or inaccurate calculation of the attenuation characteristics of the anode array can lead to large differences between the maximum & minimum anodic current density provided at different locations in the array, resulting in insufficient cathodic current density at some locations, excessive anode current density in others, and inaccurate assessment of overall current requirements.
This paper presents a simple & practical method to accurately calculate attenuation in these anode arrays using classic resistive ladder equations to enable optimization of current distribution arrangements during system design stage and also to enable accurate analysis of current distribution characteristics during system commissioning and over the system service life.
