Cathodic Protection of Metallic Structures Submerged in Fresh Water

This standard presents acceptable methods and practices for the control of external corrosion on non-mobile structures constructed of steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum immersed in fresh water through the use of cathodic protection (CP). Such structures may include, but are not limited to trash racks, dams, gates, dock pilings, sheet pilings, and other similar structures located in lakes, rivers, streams, canals, or other similar bodies of fresh water.

These recommendations are not intended for pipelines or structures submerged in waters with elevated salinity. Neither is it intended for mobile structures such as boats, barges, or similar conveyances. However, under some circumstances, these recommendations may be applicable to these situations. It is intended for use by corrosion control personnel concerned with the corrosion of structures submerged in fresh water, including dams, docks, gates, piers, pilings, and similar structures. This standard describes the use of electrically insulating coatings, electrical isolation, and cathodic protection (CP) as external corrosion control methods. It contains specific provisions for the application of CP to existing bare, existing coated, and new structures. The procedures in this standard may best be applied by persons with experience in the design and operation of corrosion control on submerged structures.

This standard fills a gap in the protection of structures by cathodic protection. Standards for the protection of buried or submerged pipelines or offshore structures have existed for many years. While all or portions of these standards may be applicable to structures submerged in fresh water, they do not address the unique features of these structures. Fresh water structures are commonly more structurally complex than pipelines. Many are subject to continual significant variation in electrolyte resistivity. By their very nature, many are intended to have close interaction with the public, which may expose the public to the CP system. The CP systems of some of these structures may also negatively impact local wildlife. This standard attempts to address the unique characteristics of protection of structures submerged in fresh water.

This standard should be used in conjunction with the practices described in the following AMPP standards, when appropriate:

SP0108 SP0169 SP0176 SP0196 SP0388 SP0408 TM0101 TM0113 TM0204 TM0497 SP0104

For accurate and correct application of this standard, the standard must be used in its entirety. Using or citing only specific paragraphs or sections can lead to misinterpretation and misapplication of the requirements, recommendations, and practices contained in this standard.

This standard does not designate practices for every specific situation because of the complexity of conditions that exist on submerged structures.