Solar energy as an alternative option in cathiodic protection system for sustainable structure in Malaysia

Abstract

Structural failures are closely linked to the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete. Application of cathodic protection (CP) system helps to improve the immunity against corrosive attack by repairing and rebuilding the passive layer around the steel reinforcement in concrete. Cathodic protection normally uses direct current (DC) to supply protective current to the reinforcing steel. However, this research tried alternative energy viz. solar energy taking advantage of its abundance availability in Malaysia. It is therefore application of solar energy has been tried as an alternative to direct current in hoping to minimize the maintenance of the system. In addition, a total of 35 questionnaires had been sent to corrosion repair related organizations and professionals to get data about the usage of solar energy system application in Malaysia, especially in treating corrosion of reinforcement. The current practice in preventing and protecting from steel reinforcement corrosion was also investigated. Results of the experimental tests show that the solar powered system is equally effective as the DC powered system.