Inhibiting corrosion in reinforced concrete

A method of repairing a reinforced structure of masonry or cementitious material and providing it with a cathodic protection system, comprising:

• (a) removing any unsound masonry or cementitious material and if necessary trimming the remaining structure to provide a profile suitable for the following steps,
• (b) attaching to the a surface of the structure at least one assembly which comprises at least one electrode and a preformed cover having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than 10.sup.3 g mil per m.sup.2 per 24 hours so as substantially to enclose the electrode(s) between the cover and the said structure,
• (c) introducing ionically conductive masonry or cementitious grouting material into the space enclosed between the cover and the said structure, and
• (d) causing or allowing the grouting material to harden;
• thereby connecting the electrode(s) to the said structure and repairing or replacing portions of the said structure.

A pre-formed article for application to the surface of a reinforced structure to inhibit corrosion of the reinforcement therein, the article comprising:

• (a) one or more electrodes capable of serving as active anode(s) in operation,
• (b) ionically conductive grouting material in contact with the electrode(s) which grouting material is capable of permitting the electrochemical reactions necessary to inhibit corrosion.
• (c) a moisture-resistant cover having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than 10.sup.3 g mil per m.sup.2 per 24 hours extending at least partly around the electrode(s) and grouting material, an edge portion of which cover will extend towards the surface to which the article is to be applied in use, and optionally,
• (d) electrical connector(s) for connecting the electrode(s) to a power supply and/or to each other in use, and
• (e) means for mechanically attaching the cover to the reinforced structure.