The are two main ways of applying cathodic protection to structures:

·       Galvanic cathodic protection (GCP)

·       Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP).

Certain factors has to be taken into consideration to check if Cathodic Protection is suitable for the structure in question.

To find out if  CP is suitable, activate this tool Check List. 

There are three sections within the check list tool, each section is demarcated by a button.  

On click of a button, a message dialog box is activated if any one of the section's criteria is checked. The message simply warns the user on which technique not to use for the structure.   Activate this tool, Cathodic Protection  to calculate the cost of using Cathodic Protection.

The two main inputs expected are the 'Cost of Technique'   and 'Area to be Treated'.   The cost relating to the technique can be found by activating the Costing links within the tool. Multiplication of the two main inputs generates a total cost for the specified technique.  This cost is then added to the 'Fixed Cost'  to produce a total cost for applying the technique from conception to finish. The first and last two inputs which are the'Name of the Technique', 'Life of Technique' and 'Life of Treatment' are essential if the user requires the output generated by this tool for future reference. The generated output is presented in a report format which contains the specified technique as well as other details relating to the calculation .

The output produced within the Total Cost text area can then be copied and pasted within a report or a document for future reference.

Galvanic CP

The principle here is to introduce a metal that will corrode more readily than the reinforcing steel, such as zinc.  When this is connected to the steel, galvanic cathodic protection will result.
  
There are several types of commercial systems for GCP available.  (Refer to Guidance Document) 

Impressed Current CP

In this method an external electrode is introduced to the concrete surface and connected to a transformer rectifier.  The reinforcing bars are also connected to the transformer and an impressed current applied so that the bars remain cathodic at all times.