Corrpro recently completed a project to cathodically protect the external façade of the Berjaya Mahe Beach Resort in the Seychelle Islands. The Seychelles is an African country in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar.
Deterioration of the reinforced concrete columns and beams had seriously affected the structural integrity of this tropical resort. Corrosion of the reinforcement was accelerated by the structure's close proximity to the ocean and the resulting ingress of salt from seawater spray and the atmosphere. High ambient temperatures and high relative humidities, which are prevalent in this island nation, also contributed to the corrosion process.
Cathodic protection (CP) was recommended by the structural engineering consultant as the best method to combat the ongoing corrosion process. Corrpro's scope in this project consisted of the CP system design, materials supply, installation supervision and commissioning.
The ELGARD™ titanium anode mesh was chosen to provide the longest possible life for the structure. The mesh is fastened to the concrete surface with plastic fasteners and covered with a thin cementitious overlay. The structure was divided into discrete anode zones, taking into account the reinforcing steel density and the structural elements to be protected. A low voltage DC power supply (rectifier) controls the operation of the system.
CP arrests corrosion in reinforced concrete structures by eliminating the corroding areas on the rebar and making the steel more passive. Corrpro, the worldwide licensee of the ELGARD™ system for cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures, provides CP system design, materials, installation, testing and supervision.
Project Data:
Location: |
Seychelle Islands |
Consultant: |
CKM Consultants, Singapore |
Contractor: |
Geotechnique PTE LTD, Singapore |
Anode Type : |
ELGARD™ 210 Anode Mesh |
Installation Date: |
1996 |
Size: |
2,700 m2 |
Leading governmental and independent trade organizations have monitored, tested, and reported on corrosion control strategies over the past three decades. These groups include the American Concrete Institute, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, and Federal Highway Administration. They advocate CP as the only rehabilitation technique that effectively stops corrosion in salt-contaminated structures, regardless of the chloride content of the concrete.
ELGARD™ is a trademark of Eltech Systems Corporation. |
