Abstract

A method (100) of concrete repair is disclosed, comprising: forming (102) a cavity (22) in a steel-reinforced concrete structure by removing concrete to expose steel reinforcement (21) and a concrete surface (23) within the cavity; providing (104) an anode assembly; providing (106) an ionically conductive filler (29); arranging (108) the anode assembly and the ionically conductive filler within the cavity and attaching an anode assembly body to the exposed concrete surface, wherein the ionically conductive filler is arranged between the anode assembly body and the exposed concrete surface; using (110) the electron-conducting connector (3) to provide a path for electrons to flow from the anode (1) to the exposed steel reinforcement (21) in the cavity; and filling (112) the cavity with a concrete repair material. The anode assembly body and the ionically conductive filler are arranged apart from the exposed steel reinforcement in order to separate the anode assembly body and the ionically conductive filler from the exposed steel reinforcement by the concrete repair material.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 73/02 - Repairing of articles made from plastics or substances in a plastic state, e.g. of articles shaped or produced by using techniques covered by this subclass or subclass using liquid or paste-like material
• E04G 23/02 - Repairing, e.g. filling cracksRestoringAlteringEnlarging

Abstract

An array of anode assemblies for insertion at a plurality of locations in a gap between a section of a reinforced concrete structure and another solid structure is provided. Each anode assembly comprises an expandable member, an anode attached to the expandable member for protecting a steel reinforcement in the reinforced concrete structure, and an anode connector for interconnecting the array of anode assemblies. During use, each anode assembly of the array of anode assemblies is inserted into the gap, between the section of the reinforced concrete structure and the solid structure, at the plurality of locations. The expandable member of each anode assembly is configured to expand so as to press the anode into contact with a surface of the reinforced concrete structure.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23F 13/18 - Means for supporting electrodes
• C23F 13/14 - Material for sacrificial anodes
• C23F 13/20 - Conducting electric current to electrodes
• E01C 11/04 - Arrangement or construction of jointsMethods of making jointsPacking for joints for cement concrete paving
• E01D 19/06 - Arrangement, construction, or bridging of expansion joints
• E02D 31/06 - Protective arrangements for foundations or foundation structuresGround foundation measures for protecting the soil or the subsoil water, e.g. preventing or counteracting oil pollution against corrosion by soil or water

Abstract

A method of using an activator in a compact discrete sacrificial anode assembly that is assembled within an anode cavity in concrete is described. The method includes providing a sacrificial anode, and an activator to activate the sacrificial anode, and a backfill to embed the sacrificial anode and the activator in an anode cavity in the concrete. The activator is provided as a discrete contained unit for dispersion through the backfill to surfaces of the sacrificial anode, and the unit at least in part separates the activator from any electrolyte in contact with the sacrificial anode. The activator is separated from the backfill prior to use. The advantages of this invention include limiting corrosion of the sacrificial metal element prior to use, containment of the health and safety risk presented by an activator, and providing a facility to control the quantity of activator installed in a sacrificial anode assembly. A surprising benefit results from a transient increase in the temperature of the assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23F 13/06 - Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus

Abstract

A steel reinforced concrete protector in an anode cavity such as a cored hole, drilled hole or cut chase is disclosed. The protector includes a sacrificial anode assembly and a separate backfill. The sacrificial anode assembly includes a sacrificial metal element and an activator to maintain an activity of the sacrificial metal element and at least one spacer. The spacer prevents the sacrificial metal element and the activator from contacting the surface of the anode cavity. The spacer and the sacrificial metal element have a coupling mechanism which facilitates connection of the sacrificial metal element to the spacer. The backfill is a pliable and viscous material which contains an electrolyte and fills the spaces between the sacrificial anode assembly and the anode cavity wall. The invention also relates to a pre-packaged sacrificial anode assembly to increase the shelf life of the assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23F 13/00 - Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection
• C23F 13/06 - Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus