Christophe Baeté, Bart Van den bossche, Elsyca Inc.
A time-dependent simulation tool is presented that computes the electrochemical and chemical reactions taking place during CP operation. Boundary conditions are automatically updated after each time step. As a result, the evolution over time of the protection potential and current density, the reduction in the corrosion rate and the growth of a calcareous layer are accurately calculated for the entire 3D model of the foundation. In addition, for internal CP systems the produced gases (ventilation purposes) and the long-term chemical composition like pH of the confined water volume are computed.
In general modeling allows anticipating on the CP design within certain static boundaries. The unique time dependent simulation approach as proposed in this paper offers the additional benefits that the CP effect is calculated in a cumulative manner such that the integrity of the foundation can be accurately predicted over its entire design life.