Cathodic Protection of Masonry-Clad, Steel-Framed Buildings: Fid-Bau Portal

Cathodic Protection of Masonry-Clad, Steel-Framed Buildings

Turnpenny, Kate / Tappin, Stuart

Corrosion problems associated with steel-framed structures have become better understood over the past two decades. Many of the structures that suffer from corrosion affecting their structural integrity and visual appearance are from the first half of the twentieth century and listed as being of special architectural or historic interest or within designated conservation areas.

Cathodic protection is a proven method for protecting steel against corrosion in pipelines and, more recently, reinforced-concrete bridges and other structures. Cathodic protection is now, however, an increasingly acceptable long-term solution to prevent and control the further deterioration of embedded steel and iron contained within masonry structures, historic brickwork, framed structures, and statuary.

This paper presents an overview of the development of masonry-clad, steel-framed buildings in the United Kingdom, guidance on their appraisal, and the corrosion problems associated with them. An example is provided to indicate the application of cathodic protection as a method of treatment to prevent the further corrosion of steel-framed buildings and the approach required to design and operate this particular technique.