Concrete | Cathec

Concrete structures

Protecting and restoring our valuable concrete infrastructure

The protection of concrete structures is a more specialised and complex field within cathodic protection. In this case, the focus is specifically on protecting the reinforcing steel embedded in concrete, both preventively and curatively. The applicable standard is NBN EN 12696:2022 (ISO) Cathodic protection of steel in concrete.

Following a targeted preliminary study, the engineering consultant may specify an impressed current cathodic protection system (ICCP). Based on the diagnostic assessment, parameters such as reinforcement density, design current density, zoning, the type of cathodic protection system, and anode design are defined. These parameters are essential for the design and control of the cathodic protection power supply.

In addition to supporting preliminary studies and system design, Cathec also supplies custom-made power supplies and control cabinets, fully tailored to the technical requirements of the engineering study and the applicable standards. All components — from (Ti)MMO anodes and titanium mesh to cabling and connections — are carefully selected and supplied as one integrated system.

At the core of our solution is Sentinel, an advanced cloud platform for real-time monitoring and remote control. Through a secure connection, Sentinel provides access to system settings, measurement data, automated reports, notifications, and trend analysis — all within one user-friendly interface, without the need for a local server installation.

With this complete solution, Cathec provides a fully digital, scalable, and future-oriented cathodic protection system suitable for both new-build and renovation projects.

As a member of the Belgian Federation of Concrete Repair Specialists, we remain actively involved in the latest developments, standards, and innovations within the concrete sector, ensuring that our clients benefit from high-quality and up-to-date expertise.

Smart monitoring with real-time insights and maximum control through our secure cloud service!

Cathodic protection for concrete in practice

Cathodic protection is not only applied to pipelines, tanks or marine steel structures. Reinforcing steel in concrete can also be actively protected by cathodic protection to reduce corrosion and extend the service life of the structure.

Depending on the application, Cathec supports, among others:

ICCP with Ti/MMO anodes, such as mesh, strips or discrete anodes;
Galvanic anodes for local protection or repair zones;
Zone-controlled installations;
Reference electrodes and measuring points;
Remote monitoring and control.

An important part of concrete assessment is potential mapping. The potential of the reinforcement is systematically measured across the concrete surface and represented graphically. This makes areas with increased corrosion activity visible.

These measurements differ significantly from potential measurements on steel in soil. Concrete is a heterogeneous electrolyte, and factors such as moisture, concrete cover, resistivity, chlorides and carbonation influence the measurement results. Correct interpretation therefore requires specific experience with concrete structures.

Cathec supports engineering firms, contractors and asset owners with condition assessment, potential mapping, design, component selection, commissioning and monitoring of cathodic protection systems for concrete.