NACE SP0216-2016 PDF Download

The NACE SP0216-2016 standard is focused on the sacrificial cathodic protection (SACP) of reinforcing steel in atmospherically exposed concrete structures. It emphasizes the importance of having a registered professional engineer or a corrosion specialist/cathodic protection specialist oversee the application of the standard. These professionals should have suitable experience in cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures, and in cases where the cathodic protection system may have a significant impact on the structural performance of the concrete structure, a structural engineer should also review the system.

The standard applies to both conventionally reinforced concrete and prestressed reinforced concrete structures. It highlights the necessity of monitoring provisions for SACP systems to ensure their performance and compliance with the standard. SACP systems used without monitoring systems or methods to measure their performance do not comply with the standard.

While cathodic protection is an effective technique for controlling corrosion in existing structures, it does not replace lost steel or restore corroded reinforcement to its original diameter. It cautions that even if a reinforced concrete element appears sound after the installation of a SACP system, it may still experience corrosion-related tensile stress near ruptures in localized areas. This stress can lead to various issues such as movements, deflection, cracking, delaminations, or spalls, which may occur several years after the installation of the SACP system.

Furthermore, the standard acknowledges that sacrificial anode systems have limitations in terms of their current output characteristics and electrochemical characteristics. This means that sacrificial cathodic protection systems may not always be the most suitable option for all combinations of structure, environment, distress, and design life.