Impressed Current Cathodic Protection of Prestressed Concrete Beams of the Calliope Wharf Access Jetty in New Zealand
Australasian Corrosion Association - Corrosion and Prevention Conf., Sydney, 2007
I Godson, Ian Godson & Associates Pty Ltd
C Mein, Austress Freyssinet Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Australia
M Ali, GHD Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) is in wide use worldwide for the protection of conventionally reinforced concrete structures but has been rarely applied to Prestressed and Post-Tensioned concrete elements. This is mainly due to the risk of hydrogen embrittlement of the stressing steel tendons.
This paper reviews the main aspects of the design, installation and operation of an ICCP system to protect the prestressed beams of the Calliope Wharf Access Jetty in Devonport New Zealand, highlighting the challenges faced during the project.
This need for thorough engineering undressing of the construction of prestressed and post-tensioned concrete elements is emphasised in this paper and the major features of prestressed and post-tensioned structures is explained.
If properly specified, designed, installed and operated, ICCP is considered to a feasible and safe corrosion protection measure for prestressed concrete structures.