SEDL / STP / STP1276-EB / STP16968S

Finite Element Modeling of Ground Level Potential Measurements of Galvanic Cells on Concrete Pipe

Carlson, EJ
Senior Consultants, Arthur D. Little, Cambridge, MA

Stringfellow, RG
Senior Consultants, Arthur D. Little, Cambridge, MA

Hall, SC
Director, Engineering Development Center, Ameron, CA

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1996

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Abstract

Ground potential surveys are used to monitor for the presence of corrosion activity on buried pipe. Questions arise as to the relationship between the measured potentials and anode size, detectable anode size, and the parameters which influence the magnitude of the potential. In this study, surface center-line and side-drain potentials were calculated for galvanic cells in buried concrete pipe using a 3-D finite element model. The model was calibrated using the results from potential surveys conducted on buried pipe with implanted anodes. Soil cover, anode size, and anode location are the dominant variables affecting surface potential. The analyses reveal the detection limits of potential surveys for the given range of parameters studied.