NACE 01210-2010

Introduction

Two practical methods of treatment are available to prevent steel frame corrosion:

1. Treating the steel and changing the environment (e.g., removing the facade, applying protective coatings to the steel, and preventing moisture ingress to the facade); or
2. Controlling the corrosion process electrochemically (e.g., with CP).

The former is the current standard method of treatment; however, the widespread stripping of a facade is often impractical and prohibitively expensive because of the necessity of removing large sections of masonry to allow access to the steel frame. The removal of masonry is also of particular concern when heritage buildings are involved. In such applications, a conservation strategy for the facade adds considerable value.

The principal electrochemical process for controlling corrosion is CP. CP offers many benefits over traditional repairs, including substantial cost savings, minimal disruption to the building occupants, and conservation benefits that are of particular importance in heritage buildings. The CP of steel-framed buildings is possible because the protective current can be passed through the stonework or masonry to the steel through the mortar/masonry contact. However, although the steel and masonry layout details often exist, it is not always easy to determine the connection between the two elements.