Bridge decks: Cathodic protection

Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete, particularly on bridges in the road system in this country, is being reported with increasing frequency. Engineers are seeking methods to prevent corrosion occurring in existing structures already contaminated with chlorides from de-icing salts. Following discussions with the Transport and Road Research Laboratory late in 1982, Spencer and Partners were commissioned by the Department of Transport to report on the feasibility of Cathodic Protection for bridge decks. Spencers were to prepare a critical review of the published literature, state and consider the primary design factors relating to the technique and its applicability to bridge decks, provide an outline design with cost estimates and make recommendations. This report presents this information.