Cathodic polarization and protection of simulated prestressed concrete pilings in sea water

Experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of cathodic polarization on simulated concrete piles containing unstressed continuous and segmented tendons exposed to sea water. Conductive rubber was used as anode material. Corrosion of the steel was enhanced by admixturing calcium chloride during concrete pouring. The specimens were cathodically polarized at constant potentials ranging from -0.72 to -1.10 V(sce). Current on and instant off potentials were monitored along the specimen height at different water levels. The four hour potential decay criterion was used to determine if cathodic polarization was effective. Protection was achieved at locations where instant-off potentials were more negative than -0.79 V(sce). Polarization was never obtained above the anode. Also, the possibility of protecting a structure containing discontinuous steel was investigated. The results are discussed within the context of protecting actual marine pilings from corrosion.