Galvanic Anodes

Reinforced concrete structures - such as buildings, bridges, car parks and ports - are often at risk of corrosion caused by chlorides (de-icing salts, seawater) and carbonation (acidification caused by carbon dioxide in the air). Once steel reinforcement corrosion sets in, repair costs can rise exponentially due to progressive delamination and spalling of the concrete cover, reinforcement section loss and reduced structural capacity.

Galvanic anode systems influence the corrosion reaction itself, therefore treating the cause of the damage rather than repairing the resulting delamination and spalling.

Galvanic (or sacrificial) anodes are small metallic elements, typically made from zinc and surrounded by an activating mortar. They are installed in, or on the concrete and are then electrically connected to steel reinforcement. As the zinc anode is more electrochemically active than steel, it becomes the anode and corrodes preferentially, passing a protective current to the reinforcement andpreventing corrosion.

The Galvashield® range provides proven, low-maintenance corrosion protection for new and existing concrete structures, helping to extend service life, reduce maintenance costs, and protect against chloride and carbonation-induced corrosion - all without external power or complex monitoring systems.