Service life and life cycle cost modelling of cathodic protection systems for concrete structures

Cathodic protection (CP) of reinforcing steel has been applied successfully to concrete structures with corrosion damage for more than 25 years. Performance and maintenance data are reported from an inventory of CP systems in The Netherlands installed on about 100 structures between 1987 and 2010. The large majority provides corrosion protection for a long time. Degradation of components and overall systems seems to occur in limited numbers. Failure of components and total systems as a function of age is quantified. On the average, the time until minor repairs of parts is necessary is about 15 years. Global failure of the anode, which necessitates near complete replacement of the system, is rare. Based on the statistical analysis of field data, the cost of maintaining a CP system is predicted using a life cycle cost model.