Galvanic Anodes for Reinforced Concrete Structures: A Review

In recent years, the use of sacrificial anodes for cathodic protection in reinforced concrete structures has increased, reflecting ease of installation, low-maintenance requirements, as well as desirability in prestressed concrete structures where the naturally controlled protection potential decreases the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. Zinc-based alloys have been among the most evaluated galvanic materials for concrete structures, especially in the United States, in many applications: thermal spray, superficial metal/mesh with and without hydrogel adhesive, embedded in concrete (point anodes) with or without salt activator, etc. However, the protection capacity lifetime of zinc alloys as used has been questioned based both on laboratory and on field application studies. Aluminum alloys have also been evaluated, sometimes showing better results as anode materials than zinc alloys. However, both zinc and aluminum alloy anodes may experience limited applicability in concrete structures exposed only to atmospheric conditions, as opposed to those in immersed, tidal, and splash zone service. This paper presents a review of the research work in the literature to date for both laboratory and field evaluations, toward identifying technically relevant situations where the use of sacrificial anodes may or may not be a practical option for reinforcement protection in concrete structures.