Anode assembly for selective corrosion protection of metal parts in concrete

Abstract

Disclosed is an anode assembly for the corrosion protection of metal parts embedded in concrete. An ion-conducting material is placed between the metal part that is to be protected and the anode, which ion-conducting material exhibits higher ionic conductivity than the surrounding concrete, thus directing the protective current specifically towards the metal part. A galvanic sacrificial anode may be provided, made, e.g., from zinc and its alloys or aluminum and its alloys. The purpose of the material with higher ionic conductivity than the surrounding concrete is to selectively direct the protective galvanic current towards the metal part that is to be protected. The selective enhanced corrosion protection is especially beneficial for the protection of metal parts that are highly important for the structural integrity of concrete members, such as assembly of pre- or post-tensioning of concrete members, such as anchor-heads. The ion conducting material exhibits 20%, and more preferably 50%, higher conductivity than the surrounding concrete. A suitable ion-conducting material that exhibits ion-exchange properties may comprise tecto-alumo-silicate materials. The anode may be placed in close contact to or may be embedded into the ion-conducting material as well.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.