Influence of various parameters on the current distribution and protection degree of impressed current cathodic protection for reinforced concrete with TiMMO mesh anodes

¹ Odisee University College, Applied Sciences and Technology, DUBiT Research Unit, Belgium
² SANACON bv, Ghent University spin-off, Nijverheidsweg 1/A, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
³ University of Antwerp, Faculty of Applied Engineering, EMIB Research Group, Belgium

^* Corresponding author: robin.debaene@odisee.be

Abstract

Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is an effective technique to control reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures. The efficiency and design of an ICCP system with titanium mixed metal oxide (TiMMO) anodes in a mortar overlay is strongly influenced by the current distribution to the different reinforcement layers of a reinforced concrete element. An in-depth experimental study is performed to investigate the effect of various parameters on the current distribution and degree of corrosion protection: (i) chloride content, (ii) cement type, and (iii) reinforcement configuration. 24-hour depolarization measurements (EN ISO 12696:2022) indicate that an increase in chloride concentration in the concrete, related to an increase in the rate of reinforcement corrosion, leads to a general decrease in the degree of protection. The use of a CEM III/A cement leads to a large increase in concrete electrical resistivity compared to concrete with an ordinary Portland cement (CEM I). This causes a lower total current output to the reinforcement and a less uniform distribution of current. Finally, a lower steel reinforcement density resulted in a larger current density, as the total current is distributed over a smaller steel surface area, causing higher depolarization values.