Use of a CFRP reinforcement anode for the cathodic protection of an iconic building

This paper reports the use of a new impressed anode for the reinforcement and the cathodic protection of steel reinforced rebars in concrete beams and columns of a French historical monument. It deals with the application of a dual effect of CFRP reinforcement. The application of a DC current on a carbon fiber-reinforced-polymer used both as a structural reinforcement and as a surface anode, allowed to polarize the steel in concrete. It was then possible to combine the strengthening function with the development of a multifunctional composite allowing protecting of steel rebar from corrosion but also the monitoring of repairing function versus time. The key to success in the development of this surface anode-reinforcement was the possibility of obtaining uniform distribution of current. This innovative technique was applied to the conservation of the reinforced concrete beams and columns of an iconic building of the north of France: the Belfry of Le Touquet’s city hall