Cathodic protection and prevention of rebars in the reinforced and postensioned constructions

Abstract

Cathodic protectiopn has been widely applied to stop rebar corrosion in chloride contaminated reinforced concrete structures. Recently in Italy it also has been applied to new postensioned constructions that are expected to become contaminated. This type of cathodic protection has been named prevention. In the paper, the general aspects and the operating conditions of the two new techniques are illustrated and the relevant consequences regarding the hydrogen embrittlement of the high strength steels are illustrated. The application of cathodic prevention and protection to pre or post tensioned structures is discussed.