Cathodic Protection for Life Extension of Existing Reinforced Concrete Bridge Elements

Cathodic protection is the only technology that can directly stop corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. This report examines the use of cathodic protection by state transportation agencies for controlling corrosion on existing reinforced concrete bridge elements. There are descriptions of different types of systems and case studies of states using these systems. As well, there is analysis of reasons that public agencies may or may not employ cathodic protection. Information was gathered through a literature review and a survey of U.S. state transportation agencies and Canadian provincial transportation agencies, augmented by selected interviews.