Evaluation of Anode Materials to Protect Corrosion of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete by Accelerating the Electrical Reaction

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of corrosion inhibition in reinforced steel through the galvanic cathodic protection method by comparing the performance of sacrificial anodes made of zinc, aluminum, and magnesium. A total of 24 specimens were prepared using various admixtures, including Portland cement type 5, fly ash at a concentration of 35%, and rice husk ash at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The anode was attached to the reinforcing steel within a 20 x 80 x 10 cm concrete slab, and the test samples were aged for 28 days. A marine structure environment was simulated by immersing the specimens in a 4% sodium chloride solution and inducing steel catalysis using the electrochemical cell technique. Corrosion was assessed via a half-cell electrochemical method, in accordance with the ASTM C876 standard, while the chloride content within the specimens was determined through titration analysis. The results demonstrate that zinc anodes exhibit superior performance, magnesium anodes display the lowest corrosion prevention efficiency, and specimens fabricated with type 5 cement exhibit enhanced resistance to chloride penetration and rust prevention compared to other test specimens.