Impressed current cathodic protection of chloride-contaminated RC structures with cracking: A numerical study

Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is an effective and direct method for controlling the corrosion of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. However, few investigations related to ICCP in cracked RC structures have been reported. In this study, the effect of cracks in concrete cover on ICCP of chloride-contaminated RC structures was investigated through a numerical model including steel polarisation, electrode reactions, and ionic migration. In the developed numerical model, cracked concrete cover is assumed to consist of sound concrete and cracks, and cracks have their own ionic diffusion coefficients. The results indicate that the ICCP can maintain its ability to remove Cl⁻ if concrete cover does not completely crack. Once the complete cracking in concrete cover occurs, the Cl⁻ removal ability of ICCP would decrease or even disappear. Cracking does not cause any adverse effect on the pH improvement of ICCP. In this case, a stronger cathodic polarisation is recommended.