Cathodic Protection

Cathodic protection is a proven technology for controlling corrosion in submerged, buried, and atmospherically exposed reinforced concrete structures.

For structures such as bridges and tunnels, car parks, industrial facilities, power infrastructure, and marine assets, durability over the required service life is critical. Cathodic protection systems can significantly extend service life while reducing long-term maintenance, but only when they are properly designed, installed, and managed.

Vector Corrosion provides comprehensive cathodic protection services, including system design, contractor support, quality control, and performance monitoring. Our engineers and technicians have experience designing both galvanic and impressed current systems across a wide range of structures and exposure conditions and supporting their implementation through construction and long-term operation.

Methods

Cathodic Protection Design

Corrosion mitigation strategies vary depending on structure type, exposure conditions, and required service life.

We design galvanic cathodic protection (GCP), impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP), and two-stage systems that combine GCP and ICCP, selecting the appropriate approach based on project requirements. Designs are developed to deliver the required current over time, accounting for factors such as concrete condition, chloride levels, and reinforcement density.

Deliverables include detailed drawings, specifications, and design documentation for inclusion in tender packages.

Person kneeling on the ground in a construction or renovation site, installing or a cathodic protection design on concrete surface. The person is wearing white gloves and dark clothing.

Contractor Training and Quality Control

We work with contractors and owners to ensure cathodic protection systems are installed in accordance with design specifications. This includes on-site support by certified technicians to verify installation, perform testing, and guide proper construction practices.

We also provide independent QA/QC services, using calibrated equipment and reference electrodes to confirm that system components and installation meet project requirements.

Existing System Inspection and Troubleshooting

Repairing ICCP systems begins with determining current system performance and identifying deficiencies.

We assess key system components, including:

  • Wiring

  • Anode condition

  • Current delivery

  • Reference electrodes

  • Monitoring equipment

  • Components and procedures to troubleshoot CP systems

Based on this assessment, we diagnose issues, adjust system outputs to meet AMPP criteria, and support the repair or replacement of damaged components.

A person wearing gloves is measuring voltage on an monitoring box with a multimeter, which displays a reading of -365.30 millivolts.

System Maintenance and Management

Cathodic protection systems require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to remain effective.

We work with owners to ensure systems are operating continuously and providing the intended level of corrosion protection. This includes remote monitoring using data loggers and communication systems, as well as scheduled site inspections.

Regular performance reports are provided to track system operation and identify maintenance requirements. Where issues are identified, corrective actions are implemented to restore and maintain proper system performance.

Explore Our Cathodic Protection Project Experience!