Installing cathodic protection in new structures

There are two reasons for installing cathodic protection from new. One is to energize it initially as a cathodic prevention system . The other reason is to have it there for use at a future date. 

The first approach has been pioneered on Italian Autostrada bridges in the mountainous areas of Northern Italy (Pedeferri, 1992). Previous construction experience had shown that it was very difficult to prevent chloride ingress. Therefore cathodic protection anodes were either built into the deck or applied as part of the construction process. The bridges were post-tensioned segmental construction with tendons in grouted ducts. 

Cathodic protection was applied at a very low level to avoid any risk of hydrogen evolution. As chlorides had not entered the structure the aim was to apply a small level of current to polarize the steel and effectively repel the chlorides. These systems were installed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. If properly maintained they should give excellent life as the anodes will be used at a very low rating. Another case of installation from new was a salt silo or chamber with a reinforced concrete floor. This was known to be at high risk from chloride penetration. Further examples are a palace in the United Arab Emirates (Funahashi, 1995) and a petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia (Chaudhary, 2004). 

Experience has also shown that connection leads get damaged and destroyed or may not be in the correct location for future use. If an impressed current cathodic protection system is to be installed from new then it should 

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