US20140305807A1

US20140305807A1 - Cathode Protection Method for Reinforced Concrete Structure and Apparatus Therefor

Info

Publication number: US20140305807A1
Application number: US14/253,837
Authority: US
Inventors: Feng Xing; Jihua ZHU; Ningxu HAN; Wei Liu; Weilun WANG; Lili SUI; Miaochang ZHU
Original assignee: Shenzhen University
Current assignee: Shenzhen University
Priority date: 2013-04-16
Filing date: 2014-04-15
Publication date: 2014-10-16

Abstract

A cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure includes steps of: a. removing loose concrete within a protection area, and filling adhesive materials with conductive ability into cracks of a concrete; b. implanting CFRP member as a impressed current auxiliary anode material into the concrete, and spacedly arranged the CFRP member with steel reinforcing elements within the concrete; c. coating adhesive materials on a side of the CFRP member, and firmly pressing the adhesive materials to bonding the CFRP member and the concrete with each other; and d. electrically connecting the steel reinforcing elements and the CFRP member to a negative electrode and a positive electrode of an external DC power supply respectively, such that the concrete, the steel reinforcing element, the CFRP member, and the external DC power supply generate serially-close conductive circuit.

Description

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a protection method and apparatus and more particularly to a cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure and apparatus therefore with or without control system. And, the present invention further relates to a cathode protection reinforcing method and reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure. And, the present invention further relates to a composite structure and a processing method for reinforced concrete structure with a cathode protection CFRP structure.
2. Description of Related Arts
Reinforced concrete structure is the most important structural form in civil engineering field, wherein according to the usage of the service life and the change of the usage environment, the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures and the lose function thereof are the more common and severe problems, so as to cause research scholars to concern about the structural durability issues for the reinforced concrete structure. Durability of the concrete is that the resistance for the destruction of the concrete under various factors in an actual usage condition, and it is an ability that the concrete maintains the strength and the integrity appearance during long-term using.
According to the perspective of the material science, the main reason for the durability of the deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure is the internal corrosion of a steel reinforcing element. Under normal circumstances, the steel reinforcing element will form a passivation film within internal holes of the concrete with a PH value about 13. When the external corrosive media passed through the porous concrete to reach on the surface of the steel reinforcing element, the passivation film will be damaged so as to loss the protection for the steel reinforcing element and then causes the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element. In addition, the chloride ions which are carried by the concrete itself or which from an external intrusion media are considered to be a main reason of causing the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element. There are a lot of method to inhibit the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element, such as the coating of preservative agent layers and the coating of the corrosion inhibitors.
Currently, the impressed current cathode protection technology has proven to be one of the most effective methods to inhibit the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element. The impressed current cathode protection technology is based on the principle of the PH-potential diagram, wherein a cathode current is applied to the steel reinforcing element for forcing the potential of the steel reinforcing element in the corrosion-free area so as to reach the protection purpose for the steel reinforcing element. However, since a variety of spacedly or continuously arranged auxiliary anodes are placed on a surface of the reinforced concrete structure to be impressed current thereon for controlling the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element, the dynamic property of the steel reinforcing element cannot be repaired or improved.
An auxiliary anode is an important part of the impressed current cathode protection system, wherein the cathode current is transmitted to the concrete via an external circuit. The process of transmitting the cathode current is achieved by electrodes releasing from the electrochemical reaction of the surface of the auxiliary anode, such that the auxiliary anode must have characteristics of small in polarization, large in discharge current, difficult in consumption, and stable performance in long-term usage. So far, researchers develop and research variety kinds of auxiliary anodes, such as ferrosilicon anode, coating metalizing anode, buried-type anode, and mixed metal titanium oxide anode. Currently, the mixed metal titanium oxide anode is the most ideal and the most common used anode, but the high price thereof dramatically limits its promotion and application.
In addition, the entire impressed current cathode protection system for the reinforced concrete structure comprises pre-protected steel reinforcing elements, an auxiliary anode, a DC power detection system and a control system. Within, the major costs of the impressed current cathode protection system are based on the auxiliary anode and the control system, so in order to control the cost of cathode protection system, it is important to develop an optimum auxiliary anode or an improved configuration of the control system. Within, the optimum auxiliary anode is able to achieve by researching the auxiliary anode having a main component of CFRP.
After applying impressed cathode current to the steel reinforcing element, it is needed for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element, and measuring electrochemical parameters thereof, such as potential polarization, and the current density of the corrosion, and finally generating feedbacks to the control systems. When the electrochemical parameters of the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element does not match the requirements, the control system will regulate the voltage of the DC power supply or the current output thereof, so as to ensure an adequate protection for the steel reinforcing element. Therefore, the traditional impressed current cathode protection system requires expensive in routine maintenance and operation costs.
According to the perspective of the design of the structure, the main reason for the durability of the deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure is the recession of the performance of the dynamic properties of concrete. Therefore, scholars from various countries provides the use of a steel, or fiber-reinforced polymer (referred to as FRP), to be structural reinforcement and bonding materials, and the scholars further proposed several structural strengthening technology, such as the increasing of structural cross sections and the external coating reinforcement technology, which have been applied to the practical use in the engineering field. The performances of the structural strengthening materials are usually based on structure of the combination of the cementations materials (such as epoxy) and the concrete, and in some situation, the structural strengthening materials can be considered as an additional protective layer for the concrete structures, and the external erosion medium also can be isolated by the structural strengthening materials so as to prevent the corrosion for the internal structure of the steel reinforcing element, such as the reinforcement of the FRP—wrapped columns, etc. However, the construction process has several defects and errors, and any deterioration during the construction process will destroy the structural strengthening materials protective layer so as to cause the secondary corrosion of the concrete. Therefore, the present invention of the impressed current cathode protection technology needs to be improved. More importantly, the technology of the structural strengthening material cannot solve the corrosion effects of the internal harmful elements that contains in the concrete, such as chlorides and sulfates, which can continuously cause the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element. There are a lot of practical projects that the concrete structure needs to be reinforced more than once time, and the more reinforcement that the concrete structure has, the worst structure of the concrete has accordingly.
In recent years, FRP-concrete composite structures are increasingly attracted by the attention of scholars. This is because FRP-concrete composite structure can improve the force situation, wherein the FRP are templates in the construction process, so no additional templates and no corresponding template removal steps are needed, such that the FRP has an excellent durability. A Good durability of the FRP-concrete composite structure is mainly due to the use of good durability of the FRP, and the FRP has the ability to prevent intrusion of external harmful substances in a member while FRP is overall wrapped on that member. The structural durability is more sensitive to the required of the materials, the construction process and the working environment. When an improper construction step happened, the durability of the FRP-concrete composite structure will no longer have the advantages due to the internal defects of the FRP materials and plenty of harmful substances which contain therein. While using concrete with rich of chlorides, sulfates and other harmful substances, such as sand type concrete, the concrete has various conditions of the acceleration of the corrosion of steel reinforcing element, so the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element within the FRP-concrete composite structure occurs more earlier, wherein the durability of the FRP-concrete composite structure is damaged, so the FRP-concrete composite structure need to be repaired and maintained early.
The most common structural strengthening materials in the structural strengthening field and the composite structure field are carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), which has the advantages of light in weight, high in strength, high in modulus, and having good corrosion resistance, so CFRP is a well-known structural strengthening material. Including the well-known dynamic properties of CFRP, its essential element, carbon fibers, has good electrochemical properties, which has good electrical conductivity and the electrode potential is close to the electrochemical property of the noble metal. Therefore, the electrochemical properties of the CFRP can be applied to the auxiliary anode of the impressed current cathode protection system for the reinforced concrete structures. And, the electrochemical properties and the dynamic properties of the CFRP also can be applied to form a new type composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with a good durability.
Furthermore, the electrochemical properties and the dynamic properties of the CFRP also can be applied to form a new type composite structure for reinforced concrete structure having steel reinforcing element protection and cathode protection. The CFRP, as a composite material in the structure, not only has advantages in the composite structure, but also is an auxiliary anode in the impressed current cathode protection system. The weak cathode current is applied to the CFRP-composite structure while the structure starts to be built, and the steel reinforcing element in the CFRP-composite structure is in a cathode polarization situation for a long time, so as to achieve the protection effect. Therefore, the CFRP-composite structure has a strong ability to resist the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element due to the inherent or the external intrusion of chlorides ions, or the intrusion of other corrosive media, so as to significantly improve the durability of the CFRP-composite structure

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A main object of the present invention is to provide a cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure and apparatus therefor without control systems, wherein the present invention is provided to solve the high costs of the cathode protection system while processing the impressed current cathode protection method for the to reinforced concrete structure, such that the present invention also provides impressed current cathode protection method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with no electrochemical parameters control, such that the present invention has a best performance for protecting the reinforced concrete structure and reduce the maintenance costs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cathode protection method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CFRP anode, wherein the present invention is provided to solve the high costs and limit applications of an auxiliary anode while processing the impressed current cathode protection method for the reinforced concrete structure, such that a new type of auxiliary anode material is provided to achieve the best protection performance for the steel reinforcing element and to reduce manufacturing costs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cathode protection reinforcing method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure so as to solve a problem of having high costs while processing reinforcing and protection process for the reinforced concrete structure in the same time.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcing method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function so as to solve the problems of the second corrosions, the safety, and the durability of the reinforced concrete structure after reinforcing for the reinforced concrete structure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite structure and a processing method for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure, wherein the CFRP has dual-functions as a composite-structure material and an auxiliary anode, wherein no investigation device and control systems are in the above mentioned apparatus, wherein the present invention is provided to solve the problems of high costs of the protection of the intrusion of inherent or external corrective media in the reinforced concrete structure, so no traditional investigation and control devices the composite structure and method for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure need to installed on the above described structure, so as to simplify the configuration of the present invention.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite structure and method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, so as to solve the problems of the corrosion of the steel reinforcing element with rich of corrective media that contains therein.
A cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure without control systems comprises steps of:
A. removing loose concrete within a protection area, and filling adhesive materials with conductive ability into cracks of a concrete;
B. implanting a CFRP plate as a impressed current auxiliary anode material into a concrete, and spacedly arranged the CFRP plate with the steel reinforcing element within the concrete;
C. coating adhesive materials on a surface of the CFRP plate facing towards the steel reinforcing element, and firmly pressing the adhesive materials for adhering the CFRP plate to the concrete; and
D. electrically connecting a DC power supply which has a negative electrode connecting to the steel reinforcing element and a positive electrode connecting with the CFRP plate, such that the steel reinforcing element and the adhesive materials are electrically connected together via the concrete, and the CFRP plate and the DC power supply form a close conductive circuit.
In the cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure without control systems, in the above step B, each of the steel reinforcing elements needs to be electrically connected with each other, and their electric connectivity must be tested.
In the cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure without control systems, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
A cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure without control systems comprises:
a steel reinforcing element embedded into a concrete;
a CFRP plate arranged into the concrete to an auxiliary anode and is spacedly arranged away from the steel reinforcing element through the concrete;
an electrical conductive adhesive material applied on a surface of the CFRP plate facing towards the steel reinforcing element,
a DC power supply for providing the essential power to the cathode protection apparatus which has a positive electrode connecting with the CFRP plate and a negative electrode connecting with the steel reinforcing elements, wherein the steel reinforcing element and the CFRP plate are connected with each other via the concrete and the adhesive materials, so as to form a close conductive circuit with the DC power supply.
In the cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure without control system, the number of the steel reinforcing element is at least one, so when the number of the steel reinforcing element is large than one, each of the steel reinforcing element needs to be electrically connected for testing their electric connectivity.
In the cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure without control system, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
The present invention provides a the cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structures without control systems of the present invention, wherein the CFRP plate is used to be the auxiliary anode, and the DC power supply is able to provide a stable output current and a constant voltage so as to omit the conventional control and investigation systems installed thereon. Therefore, the cathode protection apparatus not only can achieve the desired protective effect, but also can effectively improve the durability of the structure, so as to greatly control the manufacturing costs of cathode protection apparatus of reinforced concrete structures.
A cathode protection method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CRFP anode comprises steps of:
A. removing loose concrete within a protection area, and filling adhesive materials with conductive ability into cracks of a concrete;
B. implanting a CFRP plate as a impressed current auxiliary anode material into a concrete, and spacedly arranged the CFRP plate with the steel reinforcing element within the concrete;
C. coating adhesive materials on a surface of the CFRP plate facing towards the steel reinforcing element, and pressing the adhesive materials for adhering the CFRP plate to the concrete;
D. electrically connecting a DC power supply which has a negative electrode connecting to the steel reinforcing element and a negative electrode connecting to the CFRP plate, such that the steel reinforcing element and the adhesive materials are electrically connected with each other by the concrete, and the CFRP plate and the DC power supply form a close conductive circuit; and
E. serially-linking with a control device for controlling the strength of the current in the close conductive circuit of the impressed current cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, and an investigation device for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element.
The cathode protection method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CRFP anode, in the above step E, further comprises that each of the protected steel reinforcing element needs to be electrically connected for testing their electric connectivity.
In the cathode protection method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CRFP anode, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
A cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CFRP anode comprises:
a steel reinforcing element embedded into a concrete;
a CFRP plate arranged into the concrete to be an auxiliary anode and is spacedly arranged away from the steel reinforcing element through the concrete;
an electrical conductive adhesive material applied on a surface of the CFRP plate facing towards the steel reinforcing element;
a DC power supply for providing the essential power to the cathode protection apparatus which has a positive electrode connecting with the CFRP plate and a negative electrode connecting with the steel reinforcing elements, wherein the steel reinforcing element and the CFRP sheet are connected together via the concrete and the adhesive materials, so as to form a close conductive circuit with the DC power supply;
a control device connected to the DC power supply for controlling the strength of the current in the cathode protection apparatus; and
an investigation device connected to the steel reinforcing element and the concrete for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element.
In the cathode protection method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CRFP anode, the number of the steel reinforcing element is at least one, so when the number of the steel reinforcing element is large than one, each of the steel reinforcing element needs to be electrically connected for testing their electric connectivity.
In the cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CRFP anode, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
The present invention provides a the cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structures with CFRP anode of the present invention, wherein the CFRP plate is used to be the auxiliary anode, and the cathode protection apparatus not only can achieve the desired protective effect, but also reduce the protection costs compared with the existing mixed metal titanium oxide anode, wherein adhesive materials are applied to affix the whole structure of the present invention, so the present invention has advantages of a large coverage and the more evenly distribution of the protection current.
A cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure comprises steps of:
A. removing loose concrete within an reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body, and polishing and smoothing to flat and clean;
B. embedding a plurality of protection-needed main steel reinforcing elements into the reinforced concrete body, wherein each of the steel reinforcing element are electrically connected;
C. arranging a CFRP plate on a surface of the reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body; and
D. connecting an external power supply providing a constant current for the main steel reinforcing element between the steel reinforcing element and the CFRP plate to form a serially-close conductive circuit.
In the cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure, the CFRP plate is a composite material having CFRP as a main component, which utilizes the dynamic property and the electrochemical property of the CFRP.
In cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure, in the above step C, the steel reinforcing element is embedded in a concrete of the reinforced concrete body, and the CFRP plate and the concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.
In the cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
A cathode protection reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure comprises:
a CFRP member arranged on a surface of a reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body;
a plurality of main steel reinforcing element embedded into the reinforced concrete body; and
an external DC power supply for impressing constant current to the main steel reinforcing element, wherein each of the main steel reinforcing element is electrically connected, wherein the external DC power supply is connected between the main steel reinforcing element and the CFRP member.
In the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, the main steel reinforcing elements are embedded in a concrete of the reinforced concrete body, and the CFRP member and the concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.
In the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
In the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, the main steel reinforcing elements, the CFRP member, the external DC power supply are sequentially and electrically connected.
In the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, the CFRP member is a CFRP plate, and the optimum thickness of the CFRP plate is 1˜2 mm.
In the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, the reinforced concrete structure can be rectangular structure or cylindrical structure.
The present invention provides a cathode protection reinforcing apparatus and method for the reinforced concrete structures of the present invention, wherein according to the advantages of the excellent dynamic, electrochemical, and pre-designed properties, the CFRP is not only used to be a reinforcing material, but also can be used to an auxiliary anode. Therefore, no additional auxiliary anode is needed, so the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be one structural system, wherein the DC power supply is able to provide a stable output current and a constant voltage so as to omit the conventional control and investigation systems installed thereon, so the configuration of the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus is simplified for achieving the effects of structure reinforcing and steel reinforcing elements protecting. The cathode protection apparatus not only can achieve the desired protective effect, but also can effectively improve the durability and safety of the structure, so as to greatly control the repairing costs of reinforced concrete structures.
A reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, comprises steps of:
A. embedding a plurality of protection-needed main steel reinforcing elements into the reinforced concrete body, wherein each of the steel reinforcing element are electrically connected;
B. arranging a CFRP member on a surface of the reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body; and
C. connecting an external power supply for providing cathode protection for the main steel reinforcing element between the steel reinforcing element and the CFRP member, so the main steel reinforcing element, the external power supply, and the CFRP member form a serially-close conductive circuit, and serially connecting a control device within the close conductive circuit for controlling the strength of the current therein, and connecting an investigation device between the main steel reinforcing element of the reinforced concrete body and the concrete for testing the corrosion condition of the main steel reinforcing element.
In the reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, the CFRP member is a composite material having CFRP as a main component, which utilizes the dynamic property and the electrochemical property of the CFRP.
The reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function further comprises a step of that the main steel reinforcing elements are embedded in a concrete of the reinforced concrete body, and the CFRP member and the concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.
In the reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
A reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function comprises:
a CFRP member arranged on a surface of a reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body;
a plurality of main steel reinforcing elements embedded into the reinforced concrete body;
an external DC power supply for providing cathode protection to the main steel reinforcing elements, wherein each of the main steel reinforcing element is electrically connected, wherein the external DC power supply is connected between the main steel reinforcing element and the CFRP member, such that the main steel reinforcing elements, the CFRP member, and the external DC power supply form a close conductive circuit;
a control device connected to the close conductive circuit for controlling the strength of the current in the cathode protection apparatus; and
an investigation device connected to the steel reinforcing element and the concrete for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element.
In the reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, the main steel reinforcing elements are embedded in a concrete of the reinforced concrete body, and the CFRP member and the concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.
In the reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, the adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy glue with conductive particles.
In the reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, the main steel reinforcing elements, the CFRP member, the external DC power supply are sequentially and electrically connected.
In the reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, the CFRP member is a CFRP plate, and the optimum thickness of the CFRP plate is 1˜2 mm.
In the reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, the reinforced concrete structure can be rectangular structure or cylindrical structure.
The present invention provides a reinforcing apparatus and method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function of the present invention, wherein according to the advantages of the excellent dynamic, electrochemical, and pre-designed properties, the CFRP is not only used to be a reinforcing material, but also can be used to an auxiliary anode, so the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be one structural system. Therefore, the present invention prevents the second corrosion after the structural reinforcement, and also improves the dynamic property of the reinforced concrete structure, so as to effectively improve the durability and safety of the structure.
A processing method for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure comprises steps of:
A. integrally mounting reinforced concrete body with a CFRP member:
B. mounting the CFRP member on a surface of a reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body;
C. embedding at least one steel reinforcing elements around an inner peripheral of the reinforced concrete body; and
D. connecting an external power supply to the CFRP member for impressing current to the steel reinforcing elements.
In the processing method for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure, the CFRP member is a composite material, which mixes with different fibers or matrix materials.
A composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure comprises:
a CFRP member arranged on a surface of a reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body;
at least one steel reinforcing elements embedded into the reinforced concrete body; and
an external power supply connected to the CFRP member for impressing current to the steel reinforcing elements; wherein
the reinforced concrete body is integrally mounting with a CFRP member.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure, the reinforced concrete body comprises a plurality of steel reinforcing elements, and each of the steel reinforcing elements is electrically connected.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure, the reinforced concrete body are cylindrical structure, wherein a plurality of steel reinforcing elements are arranged around an inner peripheral of the reinforced concrete body, and the adjacent steel reinforcing elements are electrically connected.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure, the CFRP member is a CFRP pipe.
The present invention provides a composite structure and method for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure, wherein the present invention provides a cathode protection, and the steel reinforcing elements within the concrete are impressed by a weak current via the CFRP materials so as to achieve the protection purposes, so the corrosion of the steel reinforcing elements within the sand type concrete has been prevented. And, the CFRP has dual-functions of the structural reinforcement and the cathode protection. While present invention is applied to the reinforced concrete structure, the steel reinforcing elements can be well-protected under rich of corrective media within the concrete and under a harmful external working environment. In addition, the present invention provides a stable output current and so as to omit the conventional control and investigation system and simplify the configuration of the present invention. At the same time, the CFRP, the concrete, and the steel reinforcing elements are integrally mounted to be a whole unit so as to omit the installation process of the cathode protection body and improve the efficiency of the construction.
A processing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, comprises steps of:
A. integrally mounting reinforced concrete body with a CFRP member:
B. mounting the CFRP member on a surface of a reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body;
C. embedding at least one steel reinforcing elements around an inner peripheral of the reinforced concrete body;
D. connecting an external power supply to the CFRP member for impressing current to the steel reinforcing elements between the steel reinforcing elements of the reinforced concrete body and the CFRP member, such that the steel reinforcing elements, the external power supply, and the CFRP member form a close conductive circuit; and
E. serially-linking with a control device for controlling the strength of the current in the close conductive circuit of the impressed current cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, and an investigation device for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element.
In the processing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, the CFRP member is a composite material, which mixes with different fibers or matrix materials.
A composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure comprises:
a CFRP member arranged on a surface of a reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body; wherein the reinforced concrete body are integrally mounting with a CFRP member;
at least one steel reinforcing elements embedded into the reinforced concrete body; and
an external power supply connected to the CFRP member for impressing current to the steel reinforcing elements, such that the steel reinforcing elements, the external power supply, and the CFRP member from a close conductive circuit;
a control device connected to the close conductive circuit for controlling the strength of the current in the cathode protection apparatus; and
an investigation device connected to the steel reinforcing element and the concrete for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, the reinforced concrete body comprises a plurality of steel reinforcing elements, and each of the steel reinforcing elements is electrically connected.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, the external power supply is a DC power supply.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, the reinforced concrete body is rectangular structure or cylindrical structure.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, the reinforced concrete body are cylindrical structure, wherein a plurality of steel reinforcing elements are arranged around an inner peripheral of the reinforced concrete body, and the adjacent steel reinforcing elements are electrically connected.
In the composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, the CFRP member is a CFRP pipe.
The present invention provides a composite structure and method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, wherein the present invention provides a cathode protection, and the steel reinforcing elements within the concrete are impressed by a weak current via the CFRP materials so as to achieve the protection purposes, so the corrosion of the steel reinforcing elements within the sand type concrete has been actively prevented. And, the CFRP has dual-functions of the structural reinforcement and the cathode protection. While present invention is applied to the reinforced concrete structure, the steel reinforcing elements can be well-protected under rich of corrective media within the concrete and under a harmful external working environment. In addition, the present invention provides a stable output current and so as to omit the conventional control and investigation system and simplify the configuration of the present invention. At the same time, the CFRP, the concrete, and the steel reinforcing elements are integrally mounted to be a whole unit so as to omit the installation process of the cathode protection body and improve the efficiency of the construction.
Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure without control systems according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is structural perspective view of a cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structure without control systems according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structure without control systems according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a current cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure with CFRP anode according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a structural perspective view of a current cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CFRP anode according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the current cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structures with CFRP anode according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 a block diagram of a cathode protection reinforcing apparatus of reinforced concrete structure according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a structural perspective view of a cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a cathode protection reinforcing apparatus of reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a structural perspective view of a cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a structural perspective view of a composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a structural perspective view of a composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structured according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a cathode protection method for reinforced concrete without control systems according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the cathode protection method comprises steps of:
S1. removing loose concrete within a protection area, and filling adhesive 2 materials with conductive ability into cracks of a concrete 3;
In order to ensure that the final installation of the current loop can provide the beast performance of transmitting cathode protection current, the loose concrete within the protection area need to be removed before installation, wherein the electrical conductive adhesive materials 2 are filled into the crack area of the concrete 3 so as to form a continuous electrolyte. According to the above mentioned adhesive material structure, the current loop flows smoothly, and the stability of the current protection apparatus has improved.
S2. implanting a CFRP member 1 as a impressed current auxiliary anode material into the concrete 3, and spacedly arranged the CFRP member 1 with a steel reinforcing element 4 within the concrete 3;
The study found that carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is widely used in the structural reinforcement field has excellent dynamic property. Its essential element, carbon fiber, has good electrical conductivity and its electrode potential is closed to the electrochemical property of the noble metal. And, the CFRP member 1 has electrically conductive to deliver the cathode protection current to the reinforced concrete structures, so the CFRP member 1 has the advantage of the resistance of the corrosion so as to endure the electrochemical reaction generated thereon.
There are a lot of types of CFRP materials, such as cloths or plates, which can present different forms of cross sections to match with different shapes and parts of the concrete structure. In order to ensure that the CFRP as a current auxiliary anode can evenly transmit the cathode protection current, it is conceivable that the CFRP member 1 is embodied as a CFRP plate or CFRP cloth, and the CFRP member 1 is a CFRP plate in the present invention. And, the CFRP material as an auxiliary anode is widely covered on the surface of the structure of the steel reinforcing element 4, wherein the auxiliary anode has a large coverage area so as to facilitate the distribution of the current.
In the above step S2, adhesive materials 2 will be coated on a surface of the CFRP member 1 facing on the steel reinforcing element 4, such that the cathode current from the steel reinforcing element 4 can be easily transmit to the CFRP member 1 through the concrete 3.
S3. coating the adhesive materials 2 on a surface of the CFRP member 1 facing towards the steel reinforcing element 4, and firmly pressing the adhesive materials 2 so as to adhere the CFRP member 1 to the concrete 3; and
In order to avoid the bad connection between the adhesive material 2 and the CFRP member 1, the adhesive material 2 need to be pressed to from a uniform thickness, such that the cathode current between the adhesive materials 2 and the CFRP member 1 can be transmitted more smoothly or evenly.
S4. electrically connecting a DC power supply 5 which has a negative electrode connecting to the steel reinforcing element 4 and a positive electrode connecting to the CFRP member 1, such that the concrete 3, the steel reinforcing element 4, the CFRP member 1, and the DC power supply 5 form a serially-close conductive circuit.
The steel reinforcing element 4 is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply 5, and the CFRP member 1 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply 5. Since the steel reinforcing element 4 and CFRP member 1 are connected with each other through the concrete 3 and the electrical conductive adhesive materials 2, the steel reinforcing element 4, the concrete 3, the CFRP member 1, and the DC power supply 5 form a serially-close conductive loop.
In substantial application, the adhesive material 2 is required to meet the requirements of providing electrical conductivity and enabling the CFRP rigidly affixed on the surface of the concrete. For example, the adhesive material 2 can be cement grout, such as inorganic cementations materials, or conductive particles, such as epoxy glue with graphite powder that can achieve the above requirements. Preferably, according to the present invention, the cement grout is used as the adhesive material 2 that can adhere to the surfaces of the CFRP member 1. It not only has a really high strength and it can also connect the CFRP member 1 with the concrete 3 that can substantially increase the stability, as a whole, for the application of the cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure without control systems, wherein the preferred thickness of the adhesive material 2 is about 3 mm.
The concrete 3 is a continuous electrolyte. The cement grout should be timely filled into cracks generates within concrete so as to ensure a complete current loop between the steel reinforcing element 4—concrete 3—cement grout, and support a good transmitting of cathode protection current in the complete current loop.
In the above step S4, the protection-needed steel reinforcing elements 4 are electrically connected for testing the electrical connectivity between each of the steel reinforcing elements 4.
According to the impressed current cathode protection method of the present invention, the CFRP is used as an auxiliary anode, wherein the adhesive materials 2 are used to adhere the CFRP member 1 to the surface of the concrete 3 in the construction technology of CFRP—reinforcement structure, and no large-scale equipment is needed, so as to have the benefits of easy installation.
Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the present invention provides a cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure without control systems according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the apparatus comprises the following components:
a protection-needed steel reinforcing element 4
a concrete 3 applied to embed the steel reinforcing element 4;
a CFRP member 1 as an auxiliary anode;
a direct current (DC) power supply 5 for providing an essential power to the cathode protection apparatus; and
an electrical conductive adhesive material 2 applied on a surface of the CFRP member 1 facing towards the steel reinforcing element 4.
The steel reinforcing element 4 is implanted into the concrete 3, and the cathode protection apparatus of the present invention is used to protect the steel reinforcing element 4 within the concrete 3. One CFRP sheet 1 is arranged on a top portion of the concrete 3, wherein the adhesive material 2 is adhered on a bottom surface of the CFRP member 1, wherein the adhesive material 2 has a really high strength, and is able to connect the CFRP member 1 and the concrete 3 together to improve the overall strength of the entire structure of the cathode protection apparatus.
The steel reinforcing element 4 and the CFRP member 1 are electrically connected to the negative electrode and the positive electrode of the DC power supply 5 respectively, wherein the DC power supply 5 provides the essential electric power to the entire structure of the cathode protection apparatus.
Since the steel reinforcing element 4 is connected with the CFRP member 1 via the adhesive material 2, and the steel reinforcing element 4 and the CFRP sheet 1 are connected to the DC power supply 5 to form a serially-close conductive circuit.
It is conceivable that the reinforced concrete structure of the present invention is not limited to a rectangular structure, as shown in FIG. 2. A variety of structural shapes of reinforced concrete structure, such as circular concrete column, can be applied to the present invention with respect to the shapes of the protection-needed reinforced concrete structure.
Adhesive materials 2 in the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention are cement grout.
The cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structures with no control systems of the present invention comprises the pre-protected steel reinforcing element 4, the concrete 3 for embedding the pre-protected steel reinforcing element 4, the CFRP member 1 for being an auxiliary anode, the DC power supply 5 for providing the essential power source to the entire cathode protection apparatus, and adhesive materials 2 are arranged between the CFRP member 1 and the concrete 3 for adhering the CFRP member 1 to the concrete 3. The CFRP member 1, as the auxiliary anode in the present invention, is not only to achieve the desired protection effects, but also reduce the manufacturing costs. In addition, the adhesive material 2 has a really strong strength, such that the stability of the protective structure of the cathode protection apparatus has been improved.
A cross sectional view of the cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structures without control systems of the present invention shows in FIG. 3, wherein the steel reinforcing element 4 is connected to the CFRP member 1 by the adhesive material 2. In the practical application, the number of the steel reinforcing element 4 is not only one, so all the steel reinforcing elements 4 must be electrically connected with each other by a conductive wire 7 for testing the electrical connectivity between each of the steel reinforcing elements 4, as shown in FIG. 3.
The present invention provides a the cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structures without control systems of the present invention, wherein the CFRP member 1 is used to be the auxiliary anode, and the DC power supply 5 is able to provide a stable output current and constant voltage so as to omit the conventional control devices and investigation system installed thereon. Therefore, the cathode protection apparatus not only can achieve the desired protective effects, but also can effectively improve the durability of the reinforced concrete structure, so as to greatly control the cost of cathode protection apparatus of reinforced concrete structures.
Referring to FIG. 4 of drawings, a cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure with CFRP anode according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure with CFRP anode comprises steps of:
H1. removing loose concrete within a protection area, and filling adhesive materials 2′ with conductive ability into cracks of a concrete 3′;
In order to ensure that the final installation of the current loop can provide the beast performance of transmitting cathode protection current, the loose concrete within the protection area needs to be removed before the installation thereof, wherein the electrical conductive adhesive materials 2′ are filled into the crack area of the concrete 3′ so as to form a continuous electrolyte. According to the above mentioned adhesive material structure, the current loop can flow smoothly, and the stability of the current protection apparatus has improved.
H2. implanting a CFRP member 1′ as a impressed current auxiliary anode material into the concrete 3′, and spacedly arranged the CFRP member 1′ with a steel reinforcing element 4′ within the concrete 3′;
Researchers found that carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is widely used in the structural reinforcement field has an excellent dynamic property. Its essential element, carbon fiber, has good electrical conductivity and its electrode potential is closed to the electrochemical property of the noble metal. And, the CFRP member 1′ has enough electrically conductive to deliver the cathode protection current to the reinforced concrete structures, so the CFRP member 1′ has the advantage of the resistance of the corrosion so as to endure the electrochemical reaction generated thereon.
Besides, the CFRP auxiliary anode is an auxiliary anode based on the electrochemical property of the CFRP, including the composite materials mixing with different fibers or matrix materials, such as fiber-reinforcing composite materials of mixing carbon fibers and glass fibers. There are a lot of types of CFRP materials, such as cloths or plates, which can present different forms of cross sections to match with different shapes and parts of the concrete structure. In order to ensure that the CFRP as a current auxiliary anode can evenly transmit the cathode protection current, it is conceivable that the CFRP member 1′ is embodied as a CFRP plate or CFRP cloth, and the CFRP member 1′ is a CFRP plate in the present invention. And, the CFRP material as an auxiliary anode is widely covered on the surface of the structure of the steel reinforcing element 4′, wherein the auxiliary anode has a large coverage area to facilitate the distribution of the current.
In the above step H2, the adhesive material 2′ will be coated on a surface of the CFRP member 1′ facing towards the steel reinforcing element 4′, such that the cathode current from the steel reinforcing element 4′ can be easily transmit to the CFRP member 1′ through the concrete 3′.
H3. coating the adhesive materials 2′ on the surface of the CFRP member 1′ facing towards the steel reinforcing element 4′, and firmly pressing the adhesive material 2′ so as to adhere the CFRP member 1′ to the concrete 3′; and
In order to avoid the bad connection between the adhesive material 2′ and the CFRP member 1′, the adhesive material 2′ needs to be pressed to from a uniform thickness, such that the cathode current between the adhesive materials 2′ and the CFRP member 1′ can be transmit more smoothly or evenly.
H4. electrically connecting a DC power supply 5′ which has a negative electrode connecting to the steel reinforcing element 4′ and a positive electrode connecting to the CFRP member 1′, such that the concrete 3′, the steel reinforcing element 4′, the CFRP member 1′, and the DC power supply 5′ form a serially-close conductive circuit.
The steel reinforcing element 4′ is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply 5′, and the CFRP member 1′ is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply 5′. Since the steel reinforcing element 4′ and CFRP member 1′ are connected with each other through the concrete 3′ and the electrical conductive adhesive materials 2′, the steel reinforcing element 4′, the concrete 3′, the CFRP member 1′, and the DC power supply 5′ form a serially-close conductive loop.
In substantial application, the adhesive material 2′ is required to meet the requirements of providing electrical conductivity and enabling the CFRP rigidly affixed on the surface of the concrete. For example, the adhesive material 2′ can be cement grout, such as inorganic cementations materials, or conductive particles, such as epoxy glue with graphite powder that can achieve the above requirements. Preferably, according to the present invention, the cement grout is used as the adhesive material 2′ that can adhere to the surfaces of the CFRP member V. It not only has a really high strength and it can also connect the CFRP member 1′ with the concrete 3′ that can substantially increase the stability.
After some research, the preferred thickness of the adhesive material 2′ is 3 mm.
The concrete 3′ is a continuous electrolyte. The cement grout should be timely filled into cracks generates within concrete so as to ensure a complete conductive circuit between the steel reinforcing element 4′—concrete 3′—cement grout, and support a good transmitting of cathode protection current.
H5. serially-linking with a control device 6′ to the serially-close conductive circuit for controlling the strength of the current of the current cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, and an investigation device 8 for testing the performance of the steel reinforcing element 4′.
The investigation device 8 delivers feedbacks with the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element 4′ to the control system, so as to decide whether or not to adjust the strength of the current in the current protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure.
According to the impressed current cathode protection method of the present invention, the CFRP is used as an auxiliary anode, wherein the adhesive materials 2′ are used to adhere the CFRP member 1′ to the surface of the concrete 3′ in the construction technology of CFRP—reinforcement structure, and no large-scale equipment is needed, so as to have the benefits of easy installation.
In the above step H5, all the protection-needed steel reinforcing elements 4′ are electrically connected for testing their electrical connectivity.
Moreover, referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the present invention provides a current cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with CFRP anode according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the apparatus comprises the following components:
a protection-needed steel reinforcing element 4′;
a concrete 3′ applied to embed the steel reinforcing element 4′;
a CFRP member 1′ as an auxiliary anode;
a DC power supply 5′ for providing an essential power to the cathode protection apparatus; and
an electrical conductive adhesive material 2′ applied on a surface of the CFRP member 1′ facing towards the steel reinforcing element 4′.
The steel reinforcing element 4′ is implanted into the concrete 3′, and the cathode protection apparatus of the present invention is used to protect the steel reinforcing element 4′ within the concrete 3′. One CFRP member 1′ is arranged on a top portion of the concrete 3′, wherein the adhesive material 2′ is adhered on a bottom surface of the CFRP member 1′, wherein the adhesive material 2′ has a really high strength, and is able to connect the CFRP member 1′ and the concrete 3′ together so as to improve the overall strength of the entire structure of the cathode protection apparatus.
The steel reinforcing element 4′ and the CFRP member 1′ are electrically connected to the negative electrode and the positive electrode of the DC power supply 5′ respectively, wherein the DC power supply 5′ provides the essential electric power to the entire structure of the cathode protection apparatus.
Since the steel reinforcing element 4′ is connected with the CFRP member 1′ via the adhesive material 2′, and the steel reinforcing element 4′ and the CFRP sheet 1′ are connected to the DC power supply 5′ so as to form a serially-close conductive circuit.
The control device 6′ is connected to the serially-close conductive circuit of the steel reinforcing element 4′, the concrete 3′, the adhesive materials 2′, the CFRP member 1′, and the DC power supply 5′, wherein the control device 6′ is connected to the DC power supply for controlling the strength of the current of the above described structure of the present invention, wherein in the above described apparatus of the present invention, the control device 6′ can adjust the strength of the protection current according to different areas needed to be protected, so as to have the best control of the entire apparatus.
In order to have the best performance of the steel reinforcing element, an investigation device 8 is installed between the steel reinforcing element 4′ and the concrete 3′, wherein the control device 6′ and the investigation device 8 are combined to control the maintenance situation of the structure of the concrete so as to provide reasonable protection based on the current status of the concrete structure.
According to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention, adhesive materials are cement grout or epoxy flues with conductive particles.
It is worth mentioning that the reinforced concrete structure of the present invention is not limited to rectangular structure as shown in FIG. 5. It can be other structures and shapes, such as circular concrete column, etc., according to shapes of the protection-needed steel reinforcing element 4′.
The cathode protection apparatus for the reinforced concrete structures of the present invention comprises the pre-protected steel reinforcing element 4′, the concrete 3′ for embedding the pre-protected steel reinforcing element 4′, the CFRP member 1′ for being an auxiliary anode, the DC power supply 5′ for providing the essential power source to the entire cathode protection apparatus, and the adhesive material 2′ is arranged between the CFRP member 1′ and the concrete 3′ for adhering the CFRP member 1′ to the concrete 3′. The CFRP member 1′, as the auxiliary anode in the present invention, is not only to achieve the desired protection effects, but also reduce the manufacturing costs. In addition, the adhesive material 2′ has a really strong strength, such that the stability of the protective structure of the cathode protection apparatus has been improved.
A cross sectional view of the cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structures without control systems of the present invention shows in FIG. 6, wherein the concrete 3′ is connected to the CFRP member 1′ by the adhesive material 2′, and the steel reinforcing element 4′ embedded within the concrete 3′ is tested by the investigation 8. In the practical application, the number of the steel reinforcing element 4′ is not only one. For example, the number of the protection-needed steel reinforcing element 4′ is two as shown in FIG. 3, wherein all the steel reinforcing elements 4′ must be electrically connected with each other by a conductive wire 7, and their electrical conductivity must be examined and ensured.
The present invention provides the cathode protection apparatus and method for reinforced concrete structure, wherein the cathode protection apparatus utilizes the CFRP as an auxiliary anode, and utilizes the electrical conductive adhesive material 2′ with strong hardness to adhere the CFRP member 1′ to the concrete 3′, so as to not only achieve the best protection performance, but also reduce the protection costs and improve the stability of the above described apparatus. Therefore, since the adhesive material 2′ is adhered between the concrete 3′ and the surface of the CFRP member 1′, no large-scale equipment is needed, so as to have the benefits of easy to installation.
Referring to FIG. 7 of the drawings, a cathode protection reinforcing apparatus of reinforced concrete structure according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus comprises two partially-overlapped bodies, a reinforced concrete body 10 and cathode protection body 20. In the present invention, depending on the dynamic properties and electrochemical properties of CFRP materials, the CFRP material is not only a reinforcing material, but also is an auxiliary anode. Therefore, there is no additional auxiliary anode needed in the present invention, so the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be a whole structure unit. In addition, a constant output current or voltage value of a DC power supply 6″ are provided in the present invention for eliminating the need of routinely testing and control systems, and the configuration of the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus is simplified, thereby achieving the structural reinforcement and the protection of the steel reinforcing element 4″, and thus effectively improving the safety and durability of the structure of the concrete, as well as significantly reducing the maintenance cost of the structure.
The carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has the advantages of light in weight, high in strength, high in modulus, and having good corrosion resistance, so CFRP is a well-known structural reinforcing material. Actually, including the well-known dynamic properties of CFRP, its essential element, carbon fibers, has good electrochemical properties, which has good electrical conductivity and the electrode potential is close to the electrochemical property of the noble metal. Therefore, the electrochemical properties of the CFRP can be applied to the auxiliary anode of the impressed current cathode protection system for the reinforced concrete structures. And, the electrochemical properties and the dynamic properties of the CFRP also can be applied to form a cathode protection reinforcing apparatus and method.
The reinforced concrete body 10 comprises a concrete 3″, a plurality of main steel reinforcing elements 4″ embedded in the concrete 3″, and a CFRP member 1″ provided in a surface of a reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body 10, wherein CFRP member 1″ is a composite material, which utilizes the dynamic and electrochemical properties of the CFRP and mixes with different fibers or matrix materials, such as carbon fiber and glass fiber (a fiber-reinforced composite material).
The main steel reinforcing elements 4″ must be electrically connected by a conductive wire 5″ and their electrical connectivity must be tested. An external power supply 6″ is installed between the main steel reinforcing element 4″ and the CFRP member 1″ for impressing constant value of current to the main steel reinforcing elements 4″, wherein the external power supply 6″ has a negative electrode connecting to the main steel reinforcing element 4″ and a positive electrode connecting to the CFRP member 1″. Therefore, the main steel reinforcing element 4″, the concrete 3″, the CFRP member 1″, the external power supply 6″ are sequentially and electrically connected with each other to form the cathode protection body 20. The reinforced concrete body 10 and the cathode protection body 20 are designed by principles and calculation methods with respect to the relevant specifications.
The CFRP member 1″ is a reinforcing material and an auxiliary anode in the present invention and the CFRP member 1″ must have a reliable dynamic property, electrochemical properties and durability properties under a long term usage, environmental factors and the interaction of the protection current interaction, so as to achieve structural reinforcement and cathode protection.
According to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the cross sections of component and the sections of the implementation, the working environment, the construction operation, types of CFRP members 1″, such as CFRP cloths or CFRP plates can be selected.
Preferably, the CFRP member 1″ is a CFPR plate, and the preferred thickness of the CFRP plate is 1˜2 mm, such as 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, or 2 mm.
Moreover, the CFRP member 1″ is connected to the concrete 3′ by an electrical conductive adhesive material 2″, wherein the adhesive materials 2″ not only have sufficient dynamic properties to meet the requirements of the structural reinforcement, but also have an ability to long-term deliver cathode protection current without harmful substances produced. The adhesive materials 2″ must have a reliable dynamic property, electrochemical properties and durability properties under a long term usage, environmental factors and the interaction of the protection current interaction, and must have no effect on the CFRP member 1″. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive material 2″ can be an insulating adhesive gel mixing with a predetermined amount of conductive particles (the adhesive material must have good electrical conductivity and have best performance of securely adhering the CFRP member to the surface of the concrete surface, such as epoxy glue with conductive particles), such as conductive graphite particles, and the adhesive material 2″ is evenly blending for having a long-term reliable conductivity and dynamic property to adhere the CFRP member 1″ and the concrete 3″.
Furthermore, all main steel reinforcing elements 4″ embedded into the concrete 3″ must be reliably and electrically connected so as ensure that the main steels reinforcing elements 4″ within the concrete structure area can be well protected.
The concrete 3″ is a continuous electrolyte. The cement grout should be timely filled into cracks generates within concrete 3″ so as to ensure a complete conductive circuit between the main steel reinforcing element 4″—concrete 3″—the CFRP member 1″, and support a good transmitting of cathode protection current. A weak cathode current is applied to the main steel reinforcing element 4″ for forcing the potential of the main steel reinforcing element 4″ at the corrosion-free area so as to reach the protection purpose for the main steel reinforcing element 4″.
Of course, the reinforced concrete structure of the present invention is not limited to rectangular structure. A variety of structural shapes of reinforced concrete structure, such as circular concrete column, can be applied to the present invention with respect to the shapes of the protection-needed reinforced concrete structure.
Referring to FIG. 8 of the drawings, a cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the cathode protection reinforcing method comprises steps of:
S101. removing loose concrete within an reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body 10, and polishing and smoothing to flat and clean;
S102. embedding a plurality of protection-needed main steel reinforcing elements 4″ into the reinforced concrete body 10, wherein each of the steel reinforcing element 4″ is electrically connected, such that all steels reinforcing elements 4″ within the concrete structure area can be well protected;
S103. arranging a CFRP member 1″ on a surface of the reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body; The CFRP member 1″ as an auxiliary anode is preferably a CFRP plate, and is pressed with adhesive material 2″ (such as cement grout) to form a uniform thickness of the reinforcing region, so all steel reinforcing elements 4″ can be well protected after all steel reinforcing elements 4″ are electrically connected with each other.
S104. connecting an external power supply 6″ providing a constant current for the main steel reinforcing element 4″ between the steel reinforcing element 4″ and the CFRP member 1″ to form a complete conductive circuit for transmitting cathode protection current and processing cathode protection for the steel reinforcing element 4″.
The CFRP member is used to be the auxiliary anode to omit a control system and an investigation system installed within the complete conductive circuit.
In summary, the present invention provides a cathode protection reinforcing method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, wherein according to the advantages of the excellent dynamic, electrochemical, and pre-designed properties of the CFRP materials, the CFRP member 1″ is not only used to be a reinforcing material, but also can be used to an auxiliary anode, so no additional auxiliary anode is needed in the above described apparatus, and the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be one structural system. In addition, a constant output current or voltage value of the DC power supply 6″ are provided in the present invention for eliminating the need of routinely testing and control systems, and the configuration of the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus is simplified, thereby effectively improving the safety and durability of the structure of the concrete, as well as significantly reducing the maintenance cost of the structure.
Referring to FIG. 9 of the drawings, a reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function comprises two partially-overlapped bodes, a reinforced concrete body 10′ and cathode protection body 20′. In the present invention, depending on the dynamic properties and electrochemical properties of CFRP materials, the CFRP material is not only a reinforcing material, but also an auxiliary anode. Therefore, there is no additional auxiliary anode needed in the present invention, so the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be a whole structure unit. In addition, a constant output current or voltage value of a DC power supply 6′″ are provided in the present invention for eliminating the need of routinely testing and control systems, and the configuration of the cathode protection reinforcing apparatus is simplified, thereby achieving the structural reinforcement and the protection of the steel reinforcing element, and thus effectively improving the safety and durability of the structure of the concrete, as well as significantly reducing the maintenance cost of the structure.
The carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has the advantages of light in weight, high in strength, high in modulus, and having good corrosion resistance, so CFRP is a well-known structural strengthening material. Actually, including the well-known dynamic properties of CFRP, its essential element, carbon fibers, has good electrochemical properties, which has good electrical conductivity and the electrode potential is close to the electrochemical property of the noble metal. Therefore, the electrochemical properties of the CFRP can be applied to the auxiliary anode of the impressed current cathode protection system for the reinforced concrete structures. And, the electrochemical properties and the dynamic properties of the CFRP also can be applied to form a cathode protection reinforcing apparatus and method.
The reinforced concrete body 10′ comprises a concrete 3′″, a plurality of main steel reinforcing elements 4′″ embedded in the concrete 3′″, and a CFRP member 1′″ provided on a surface of a reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body 10′, wherein CFRP member 1′ is a composite material, which utilizes the dynamic and electrochemical properties of the CFRP and mixes with different fibers or matrix materials, such as carbon fiber and glass fiber (a fiber-reinforced composite material).
The main steel reinforcing elements 4′″ must be electrically connected with a conductive wire 5′″, and their electrical connectivity must be tested. An external power supply 6′″ is installed between the main steel reinforcing element 4′″ and the CFRP member 1′″ for impressing constant value of current to the main steel reinforcing elements 4′″, wherein the external power supply 6′″ has a negative electrode connecting to the main steel reinforcing element 4′″ and a positive electrode connecting to the CFRP member 1′″. Therefore, the main steel reinforcing element 4′″, the concrete 3′″, the CFRP member 1′″, the external power supply 6′″ are sequentially and electrically connected with each other to form a complete current loop. And, a control system for controlling the strength of the current, and an investigation system for testing the corrosion situation of the steel reinforcing element 4′″ are serially-linking within the complete current loop to form the cathode protection body 20′. The reinforced concrete body 10′ and the cathode protection body 20′ are designed by principles and calculation methods with respect to the relevant specifications.
The steel reinforcing element 4′″, an external power supply 6′″, the CFRP member 1′″ form a complete current loop, which are electrically connected by a conductive wire 8′, wherein a control device 7″ is serially-linking within the complete current loop for controlling the strength of the current, and an investigation device 9 is connected between the steel reinforcing element 4′″ of the reinforced concrete body 20′ and the concrete 3′″ for testing the corrosion situation of the steel reinforcing element 4′″, wherein the investigation device 9 and the control device 7″ is also connected to a control system, such that the investigation device 9 can continuously detect the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element 4′″, and then transmit the detected corrosion signal information to the control system to determine whether or not to adjust the strength of the current. If necessary, a control signal is sent to the control device 7″ to adjust the strength of the current. Therefore, the reinforced concrete structure is able to achieve long-term monitoring, maintenances, and control operations.
The CFRP member 1′″ is a reinforcing material and the auxiliary anode in the present invention, and the CFRP member 1′″ must have a reliable dynamic property, electrochemical properties and durability properties under a long term usage, environmental factors and the interaction of the protection current interaction, so as to have structural reinforcement and cathode protection.
According to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the cross section of component and the section of the implementation section, the working environment, the construction operation, types of CFRP members 1′″, such as CFRP cloths or CFRP plates can be selected.
Preferably, the CFRP member 1′″ is a CFPR plate, and the preferred thickness of the CFRP plate is 1˜2 mm, such as 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, or 2 mm.
Moreover, the CFRP member 1′″ is connected to the concrete 3′″ by an electrical conductive adhesive material, wherein the adhesive material 2′″ not only have sufficient dynamic properties to meet the requirements of the structural reinforcement, but also have an ability to long-term deliver cathode protection current without harmful substances produced. The adhesive material 2′″ must have a reliable dynamic property, electrochemical properties and durability properties under a long term usage, environmental factors and the interaction of the protection current interaction, and must have no effect on the CFRP member 1′″. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment, the adhesive material 2′″ can be an insulating adhesive gel mixing with a predetermined amount of conductive particles (the adhesive material 2′″ must have good electrical conductivity and has best performance of securely adhering the CFRP member 1′″ to the surface of the concrete surface, such as epoxy glue with conductive particles), such as conductive graphite particles, and the adhesive material 2′″ is evenly blending for having a long-term reliable conductivity and a dynamic property to adhere the CFRP member 1′″ and the concrete 3′″.
Furthermore, all main steel reinforcing elements 4′″ embedded into the concrete 3′″ must be reliably and electrically connected by a conductive wire 5′″ so as ensure that the main steels reinforcing elements 4″ within the concrete structure area can be well protected.
The concrete 3′″ is a continuous electrolyte. The cement grout should be timely filled into cracks generates within concrete 3′″ so as to ensure a complete current loop between the main steel reinforcing element 4′″—concrete 3′″—the CFRP member 1′″, and support a good transmitting of cathode protection current. A weak cathode current is applied to the main steel reinforcing element 4′″ for forcing the potential of the main steel reinforcing element 4′″ at the corrosion-free area so as to reach the protection purpose for the main steel reinforcing element 4′″.
Of course, the reinforced concrete structure of the present invention is not limited to rectangular structure. A variety of structural shapes of reinforced concrete structure, such as circular concrete column, can be applied to the present invention with respect to the shapes of the protection-needed reinforced concrete structure.
Referring to FIG. 10 of the drawings, a cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function comprises steps of:
S101. removing loose concrete within an reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body 10′, and polishing and smoothing to flat and clean;
S102. embedding a plurality of protection-needed main steel reinforcing elements 4′″ into the reinforced concrete body 10′, wherein each of the steel reinforcing element 4′″ is electrically connected;
S103. arranging a CFRP member 1′″ on a surface of the reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body 10′; The CFRP member 1′″ as an auxiliary anode is preferably a CFRP plate, and is pressed with adhesive materials 2′″ to form a uniform thickness of the reinforcing region, so all steel reinforcing elements 4′″ can be well protected after all steel reinforcing elements 4′″ are electrically connected with each other.
S104. connecting an external power supply 6′″ providing a constant current for the main steel reinforcing element 4′″ between the steel reinforcing element 4′″ and the CFRP member 1′″ to form a complete circuit loop for transmitting cathode protection current and processing cathode protection for the steel reinforcing element 4′″, and serially-linking with a control device 7″ for controlling the strength of the current, an investigation device 8′ connected between the steel reinforcing element 4′″ of the reinforced concrete body and the concrete 3′″ for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element.
The concrete 3′″ is a continuous electrolyte. The cement grout must be timely filled into cracks generates within concrete 3′″ so as to ensure the concrete 3′″ to form a continuous electrolyte. And, the main steel reinforcing element 4′″, the concrete 3′″, the CFRP member 1′″ and the external power supply 6′″ are sequentially and electrically connected with each other to form a complete circuit loop for transmitting cathode protection current and processing cathode protection for the steel reinforcing element 4′″.
In summary, the present invention provides a cathode protection reinforcing method and apparatus for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection function, wherein according to the advantages of the excellent dynamic, electrochemical, and pre-designed properties of the CFRP materials, the CFRP member 1′″ is not only used to be a reinforcing material, but also can be used to an auxiliary anode, so no additional auxiliary anode is needed in the above described apparatus, and the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be one structural system, so as to prevent the second corrosion after the structural reinforcement, thereby effectively improving the dynamic property of the structure of the concrete 3′″, as well as significantly improving the safety and durability of the structure of the concrete 3′″.
Referring to FIG. 11 of the drawings, a composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the composite structure comprises two structural bodies, which are a reinforced concrete body and cathode protection body.
The reinforced concrete body comprises a concrete 3*, a plurality of steel reinforcing elements 2*, a CFRP pipe 1*, wherein the steel reinforcing elements 2* are embedded within the concrete 3*, wherein the CFRP pipe 1* is arranged on a surface of the reinforced concrete body, and is electrically connected with the steel reinforcing element 2* via the concrete 3*. And, an external power supply 5* is connected to at least one steel reinforcing elements 2* of the reinforced concrete body and the CFRP pipe 1* for impressing current to the steel reinforcing element 2*. In the present invention, the reinforced concrete body is integrally mounted with the CFRP pipe 1*.
The CFRP pipe 1* is a composite material mixing with different fibers or matrix materials, such as carbon fiber and glass fiber (a fiber-reinforced composite material).
The present invention utilizes the advantages of the excellent dynamic, and electrochemical properties of the CFRP, the CFRP is not only used to be a reinforcing material, but also can be used to an auxiliary anode. Therefore, the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be one structural system, According to the above described composite structure, even if the steel reinforcing elements 2* are embedded into a concrete 3* with rich of corrective media, such as sea sand type concrete, all steel reinforcing elements 2* therein are well protected. The steel reinforcing elements 2*—the concrete 3*—the CFRP pipe 1* (connected by a conductive wire 6*) form a complete conductive circuit to smoothly transmit the cathode protection current. The present invention utilizes an external power supply 5* with a constant output current or voltage to impress weak current to the steel reinforcing elements 2* to achieve the cathode protection, such that the cathode current is applied to the steel reinforcing elements 2* for forcing the potential of the steel reinforcing elements 2* in the corrosion-free area so as to reach the protection purpose for the steel reinforcing element 2*. And, the external power supply 5* is a DC power supply providing a constant output current and voltage.
According to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforced concrete body can be a circular concrete column or a rectangular structure, and FIG. 11 shows the cylindrical reinforced concrete body structure. Referring to FIG. 11 of the drawings, a plurality of steel reinforcing elements 2* are arranged around a peripheral of the concrete 3*, and each of the adjacent steel reinforcing elements 2* is electrically connected, so the electrically-connected steel reinforcing elements 2*, the concrete 3*, and the CFRP pipe 1* are integrally mounted with each other so as to omit the installation process for the cathode protection body. In other words, the external power supply of the cathode protection body is directly connected to the reinforced concrete body. For example, the external power supply 5* has a negative electrode connecting to any of the steel reinforcing elements 2*, and a positive electrode connecting to the CFRP pipe 1*, so as to from the cathode protection body.
The CFRP pipe 1* is a reinforcing material and an auxiliary anode in the present invention, and the CFRP member 1* must have a reliable dynamic property, electrochemical properties and durability properties under a long term usage, environmental factors and the interaction of the protection current interaction, so as to achieve structural reinforcement and cathode protection.
In the above described apparatus of the present invention, the number of the steel reinforcing elements 2* must be at least one. When the number of the steel reinforcing elements 2* is larger than one, each of the steel reinforcing elements 2* is required to be connected with each other by an electrical conductive wire 4*, wherein their electric conductivity must be tested. The number of the steel reinforcing elements 2* is not limited, which can be three, four, five, or other number thereof.
The carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has the advantages of light in weight, high in strength, high in modulus, and having good corrosion resistance, so CFRP is a well-known structural reinforcing material. Actually, including the well-known dynamic properties of CFRP, its essential element, carbon fibers, has good electrochemical properties, which has good electrical conductivity and the electrode potential is closed to the electrochemical property of the noble metal. Therefore, the electrochemical properties of the CFRP can be applied to the auxiliary anode of the impressed current cathode protection system for the reinforced concrete structures.
Furthermore, according to the dynamic properties and electrochemical properties of CFRP, a composite structure having cathode protection and steel reinforcing element protection function is provided. That is to say, the CFRP not only has advantages in the composite structure, but also can be an auxiliary anode in the impressed current cathode protection system. The present invention can achieve a purpose of achieving a structural reinforcement and cathode protection function in the same structure, and the CFRP is an auxiliary anode to eliminate to install a control system and an investigation system.
A processing method for reinforced concrete structure with automatic cathode protection CFRP structure comprises steps of:
A. integrally mounting a reinforced concrete body with a CFRP member 1*:
B. mounting the CFRP member 1* on a surface of a reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body;
C. embedding at least one steel reinforcing elements 2* around an inner peripheral of the reinforced concrete body; and
D. connecting an external power supply 5* to the CFRP member 1* for impressing current to the steel reinforcing elements 2*.
Moreover, the CFRP member 1* is a composite material, which mixes with different fibers or matrix materials.
The present invention provides a composite structure and method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, wherein the present invention provides a cathode protection, and the steel reinforcing elements 2* within the concrete 3* are impressed by a weak current via the CFRP materials so as to achieve the protection purposes, so the corrosion of the steel reinforcing elements 2* within the sand concrete has been actively prevented. And, the CFRP has dual-functions of the structural reinforcement and the cathode protection. While present invention is applied to the reinforced concrete structure, the steel reinforcing elements 2* can be well-protected under rich of corrective media within the concrete 3* and under harmful external working environment. In addition, the present invention provides a stable output current so as to omit the conventional control and investigation system and simplify the configuration of the present invention. At the same time, the CFRP member 1*, the concrete 3*, and the steel reinforcing elements 2* are integrally mounted to be a whole unit so as to omit the installation process of the cathode protection body and improve the efficiency of the construction.
Referring to FIG. 12 of the drawings, a composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the composite structure comprises two structural bodies, which are a reinforced concrete body and cathode protection body.
The reinforced concrete body comprises a concrete 3**, a plurality of steel reinforcing elements 2**, a CFRP pipe 1**, wherein the steel reinforcing elements 2** are embedded within the concrete 3**, wherein the CFRP pipe 1** is arranged on a surface of the reinforced concrete body, and is electrically connected with the steel reinforcing element 2** via the concrete 3**. And, an external power supply 5** is connected to at least one steel reinforcing elements 2** of the reinforced concrete body and the CFRP pipe 1** for impressing current to the steel reinforcing element 2**. In the present invention, the reinforced concrete body is integrally mounted with the CFRP pipe 1**.
The CFRP pipe 1** is a composite material mixing with different fibers or matrix materials, such as carbon fiber and glass fiber (a fiber-reinforced composite material).
The steel reinforcing element 2**, the concrete 3**, the CFRP pipe 1**, and the external power supply 5** form a serially-closed current loop, which are connected by a conductive wire 7**, and a control device 6** is connected to the serially-closed current loop and is connected to the DC power supply 5** for controlling the strength of the current of the above described structure of the present invention, wherein the control device 6** can adjust the strength of the protection current according to different areas needed to be protected, so as to have the best control of the entire apparatus.
In order to have the best performance of the steel reinforcing element 4**, an investigation device 8** is installed between the steel reinforcing element 4** and the concrete 3**, wherein the control device 6′ and the investigation device 8** are combined to control the maintenance situation of the structure of the concrete 3** so as to provide reasonable protection based on the current status of the concrete structure.
The present invention utilizes the advantages of the excellent dynamic, electrochemical of the CFRP, the CFRP is not only used to be a reinforcing material, but also can be used to an auxiliary anode. Therefore, the structural reinforcement system and the cathode protection system are integrated to be one structural system, According to the above described composite structure, even if the steel reinforcing elements 2** are embedded into a concrete 3** with rich of corrective media, such as sea sand type concrete, all steel reinforcing elements 2** therein are well protected. The steel reinforcing elements 2**—the concrete 3**—the CFRP pipe 1** form a complete conductive circuit to smoothly transmit the cathode protection current. The present invention utilizes an external power supply with a constant output current or voltage to impress weak current to the steel reinforcing element 2** to achieve cathode protection, such that the cathode current is applied to the steel reinforcing element 2** for forcing the potential of the steel reinforcing element 2** in the corrosion-free area so as to reach the protection purpose for the steel reinforcing element 2**. And, the external power supply 5** is a DC power supply providing a constant output current and voltage.
According to the above sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforced concrete body can be a cylindrical structure or a rectangular structure, and FIG. 12 shows the cylindrical reinforced concrete body structure. Referring to FIG. 12 of the drawings, a plurality of steel reinforcing element 2** are arranged around a peripheral of the concrete 3**, and each of the adjacent steel reinforcing elements 2** is electrically connected, so the electrically-connected steel reinforcing elements 2**, the concrete 3** and the CFRP pipe 1** are integrally mounted with each other so as to omit the installation process for the cathode protection body. In other words, the external powers supply 5** of the cathode protection body is directly connected to the reinforced concrete body. For example, the external power supply 5** has a negative electrode connecting to any of the steel reinforcing elements 2**, and a positive electrode connecting to the CFRP pipe 1**, so as to from the cathode protection body.
The CFRP pipe 1** is a reinforcing material and the auxiliary anode in the present invention, and the CFRP member 1** must have a reliable dynamic property, electrochemical properties and durability properties under a long term usage, environmental factors and the interaction of the protection current interaction, so as to achieve structural reinforcement and cathode protection.
In the above described apparatus of the present invention, the number of the steel reinforcing elements 2** must be at least one. When the number of the steel reinforcing elements 2** is larger than one, each of the steel reinforcing elements 2** is required to be connected with each other by an electrical conductive wire 4**, wherein their electric conductivity must be tested.
The carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has the advantages of light in weight, high in strength, high in modulus, and having good corrosion resistance, so CFRP is a well-known structural strengthening material. Actually, including the well-known dynamic properties of CFRP, its essential element, carbon fibers, has good electrochemical properties, which has good electrical conductivity and the electrode potential is close to the electrochemical property of the noble metal. Therefore, the electrochemical properties of the CFRP can be applied to the auxiliary anode of the impressed current cathode protection system for the reinforced concrete structures.
Furthermore, according to the dynamic properties and electrochemical properties of CFRP, a composite structure having cathode protection and steel reinforcing element protection function is provided. That is to say, the CFRP not only has advantages in the composite structure, but also can be an auxiliary anode in the impressed current cathode protection system. The present invention can achieve a purpose of having a structural reinforcement and cathode protection function in the same structure, and the CFRP is an auxiliary anode to eliminate for installing a control system and an investigation system.
The present invention further provides a processing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, comprising steps of:
A. integrally mounting reinforced concrete body with a CFRP member 1**:
B. mounting the CFRP member on a surface of a reinforcing region of the reinforced concrete body;
C. embedding at least one steel reinforcing elements 2** around an inner peripheral of the reinforced concrete body;
D. connecting an external power supply 5** to the CFRP member 1** for impressing current to the steel reinforcing elements 2** between the steel reinforcing elements 2** of the reinforced concrete body and the CFRP member 1**, such that the steel reinforcing elements 2**, the external power supply 5**, and the CFRP member 1** farm a complete current loop; and
E. serially-linking with a control device 6** for controlling the strength of the current in the complete current loop, and an investigation device 8** arranged between the steel reinforcing element 2** of the reinforced concrete body and the concrete 3** for testing the corrosion condition of the steel reinforcing element 2**.
Moreover, the CFRP member 1** is a composite material, which mixes with different fibers or matrix materials.
The present invention provides a composite structure and processing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, wherein the present invention provides a cathode protection, and the steel reinforcing elements 2** within the concrete are impressed by a weak current via the CFRP materials so as to achieve the protection purposes, so the corrosion of the steel reinforcing elements 2** within the sand type concrete has been actively prevented. And, the CFRP has dual-functions of the structural reinforcement and the cathode protection. While present invention is applied to the reinforced concrete structure, the steel reinforcing elements 2** can be well-protected under rich of corrective media within the concrete 3** and under harmful external working environment. In addition, the present invention provides a stable output current and so as to omit the conventional control and investigation system and simplify the configuration of the present invention. At the same time, the CFRP member 1**, the concrete 3**, and the steel reinforcing elements 2** are integrally mounted to be a whole unit so as to omit the installation process of the cathode protection body and improve the efficiency of the construction.
One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cathode protection method for reinforced concrete structure, comprising steps of:

A. removing loose concrete within a protection area, and filling an adhesive material with conductive ability into cracks of a concrete;

B. implanting a CFRP member as an impressed current auxiliary anode material into said concrete, and spacedly arranged said CFRP member with steel reinforcing elements within said concrete;

C. coating said adhesive material on a surface of said CFRP member facing towards said steel reinforcing element, and firmly pressing said adhesive material to adhere said CFRP member and said concrete with each other; and

D. connecting said CFRP member with a positive electrode of an external DC power supply and connecting at least a steel reinforcing element in said reinforced concrete body with a negative electrode of said external DC power supply, wherein said steel reinforcing element and said adhesive material are electrically connected via said concrete, said CFRP member and said external DC power supply to form a close electrical conductive circuit.

2. The method, as recited in claim 1, wherein in the step (D) further comprising a step of serially-linking with a control device for controlling the strength of the current in said close electrical conductive circuit, and an investigation device for testing the corrosion condition of said steel reinforcing elements.

3. The method, as recited in claim 1, wherein in the step (B) further comprises a steps of electrically connecting said steel reinforcing elements in said protection area and ensuring an electrical conductivity between said steel reinforcing elements.

4. The method, as recited in claim 2, wherein in the step (D) further comprises a steps of electrically connecting said steel reinforcing elements in said protection area and ensuring an electrical conductivity between said steel reinforcing element.

5. The method, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

6. The method, as recited in claim 2, wherein said adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

7. A cathode protection apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, comprising:

one or more steel reinforcing elements embedded into a concrete;

a CFRP member arranged into said concrete to be an auxiliary anode and is spacedly arranged away from said steel reinforcing elements through said concrete;

an electrical conductive adhesive material applied on a surface of said CFRP member facing towards said steel reinforcing elements; and

a DC power supply for providing the essential power to said cathode protection apparatus which has a positive electrode connecting with said CFRP member and a negative electrode connecting with said steel reinforcing elements, wherein said steel reinforcing elements and said CFRP member are connected with each other via said concrete and said adhesive material, so as to foam a close conductive circuit with said DC power supply.

8. The apparatus, as recited in claim 7, further comprising a control device connected to said DC power supply for controlling the strength of the current in said apparatus, and an investigation device connected to said steel reinforcing elements and said concrete for testing the corrosion condition of said steel reinforcing elements.

9. The apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein the number of said steel reinforcing elements is at least one, so when the number of said steel reinforcing elements is large than one, each of said steel reinforcing element needs to be electrically connected for testing their electric connectivity.

10. The apparatus, as recited in claim 8, wherein the number of said steel reinforcing elements is at least one, so when the number of said steel reinforcing elements is large than one, each of said steel reinforcing element needs to be electrically connected for testing their electric connectivity.

11. The apparatus, as recited in claim 7, said adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

12. The apparatus, as recited in claim 8, said adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

13. A cathode protection reinforcing method for reinforced concrete structure, comprising steps of:

A. removing loose concrete within a reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body, and polishing and smoothing to flat and clean;

B. embedding a plurality of protection-needed main steel reinforcing elements into said reinforced concrete body, wherein each of said steel reinforcing elements is electrically connected;

C. arranging a CFRP member on a surface of said reinforcing region of said reinforced concrete body; and

D. connecting an external power supply providing a constant current for said main steel reinforcing elements between said steel reinforcing elements and said CFRP member to form a serially-close conductive circuit.

14. The reinforcing method, as recited in claim 13, wherein in the step (D) further comprises a step of serially-linking with a control device for controlling the strength of the current in said close conductive circuit, and an investigation device for testing the corrosion condition of said steel reinforcing elements.

15. The reinforcing method, as recited in claim 13, wherein said CFRP member is a composite material having CFRP as a main component, which utilizes the dynamic property and the electrochemical property of the CFRP.

16. The reinforcing method, as recited in claim 14, wherein said CFRP member is a composite material having CFRP as a main component, which utilizes the dynamic property and the electrochemical property of the CFRP.

17. The reinforcing method, as recited in claim 14, wherein in the step (C) further comprises a step of that said steel reinforcing elements are embedded in said concrete of said reinforced concrete body, and said CFRP member and said concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.

18. The reinforcing method, as recited in claim 15, wherein in the step (C) further comprises a step of that said steel reinforcing elements are embedded in said concrete of said reinforced concrete body, and said CFRP member and said concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.

19. The reinforcing method, as recited in claim 15, adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

20. The reinforcing method, as recited in claim 16, adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

21. A cathode protection reinforcing apparatus for reinforced concrete structure, comprising:

a CFRP member arranged on a surface of a reinforcing region of a reinforced concrete body;

a plurality of main steel reinforcing elements embedded into said reinforced concrete body; and

an external DC power supply for impressing constant current to said main steel reinforcing elements, wherein each of said main steel reinforcing element is electrically connected, wherein said external DC power supply is connected between said main steel reinforcing element and said CFRP member.

22. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 21, further comprising a control device connected to said DC power supply for controlling the strength of the current in said apparatus, and an investigation device connected to said steel reinforcing elements and said concrete for testing the corrosion condition of said steel reinforcing elements.

23. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 21, wherein said steel reinforcing elements are embedded in said concrete of said reinforced concrete body, and said CFRP member and said concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.

24. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 22, wherein said steel reinforcing elements are embedded in said concrete of said reinforced concrete body, and said CFRP member and said concrete are connected with electrical conductive adhesive materials.

25. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 23, adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

26. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 24, adhesive material is selected from a group consisting of cement grout and epoxy flues with conductive particles.

27. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 25, wherein said main steel reinforcing elements, said concrete, said CFRP member, and said external power supply are sequentially and electrically connected.

28. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 26, wherein said main steel reinforcing elements, said concrete, said CFRP member, and said external power supply are sequentially and electrically connected.

29. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 21, wherein said CFRP member is a CFRP plate, and the thickness of said CFRP plate is 1˜2 mm.

30. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 22, wherein said CFRP member is a CFRP plate, and the thickness of said CFRP plate is 1˜2 mm.

31. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 21, wherein said reinforced concrete body is selected from a group consisting of a rectangular structure and a cylindrical structure.

32. The reinforcing apparatus, as recited in claim 22, wherein said reinforced concrete body is selected from a group consisting of a rectangular structure and a cylindrical structure.

33. A processing method for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, comprising steps of:

A. integrally mounting a reinforced concrete body with a CFRP member:

B. mounting said CFRP member on a surface of a reinforcing region of said reinforced concrete body;

C. embedding at least one steel reinforcing elements around an inner peripheral of said reinforced concrete body; and

D. connecting an external power supply to said CFRP member for impressing current to said steel reinforcing elements, such that said steel reinforcing element, said external power supply, and said CFRP member form a close current loop.

34. The processing method, as recited in claim 33, wherein in the step (D) further comprises a step of serially-linking with a control device for controlling the strength of the current in said close current loop, and an investigation device for testing the corrosion condition of said steel reinforcing elements.

35. The processing method, as recited in claim 33, wherein said CFRP member is a composite material mixing with different fibers and matrix materials.

36. The processing method, as recited in claim 34, wherein said CFRP member is a composite material mixing with different fibers and matrix materials.

37. A composite structure for reinforced concrete structure with cathode protection CFRP structure, comprising:

at least one steel reinforcing elements embedded into said reinforced concrete body; and

an external power supply connected to said CFRP member for impressing current to said steel reinforcing elements; wherein

said reinforced concrete body is integrally mounting with said CFRP member.

38. The composite structure, as recited in claim 37, further comprising a control device connected to said DC power supply for controlling the strength of the current in said apparatus, and an investigation device connected to said steel reinforcing elements and said concrete for testing the corrosion condition of said steel reinforcing elements.

39. The composite structure, as recited in claim 37, wherein a plurality of said steel reinforcing elements is embedded into said reinforced concrete body, and all said steel reinforcing elements are electrically connected.

40. The composite structure, as recited in claim 38, wherein a plurality of said steel reinforcing elements is embedded into said reinforced concrete body, and all said steel reinforcing elements are electrically connected.

41. The composite structure, as recited in claim 37, wherein said external power supply is a DC power supply.

42. The composite structure, as recited in claim 38, wherein said external power supply is a DC power supply.

43. The composite structure, as recited in claim 37, wherein said reinforced concrete body is selected from a group consisting of a rectangular structure and a cylindrical structure.

44. The composite structure, as recited in claim 38, wherein said reinforced concrete body is selected from a group consisting of a rectangular structure and a cylindrical structure.

45. The composite structure, as recited in claim 43, wherein said reinforced concrete body is a circular concrete column and a plurality of said steel reinforcing elements are arranged around a peripheral of said reinforced concrete body and each of said steel reinforcing elements is electrically connected.

46. The composite structure, as recited in claim 44, wherein said reinforced concrete body is a circular concrete column and a plurality of said steel reinforcing elements are arranged around a peripheral of said reinforced concrete body and each of said steel reinforcing elements is electrically connected.

47. The composite structure, as recited in claim 43, wherein said CFRP member is a CFRP pipe.

48. The composite structure, as recited in claim 44 wherein CFRP member said to is a CFRP pipe.