An investigation at the historic KBC Tower (the Boerentoren) in Antwerp, Belgium, indicated that traditional masonry repair would not solve the underlying corrosion problem with the structural steel frame. For that reason, an ICCP system was installed through joints in the exterior facade to protect about 25% of the structure. This was the first time that cathodic protection technology was used in Belgium for the large-scale restoration of a historic steel-frame structure with masonry cladding. First conducting a pilot installation proved to be a successful approach, as the technology was verified and the most economical design accomplished. Over 9000 ICCP anodes were installed as part of the cathodic protection system, protecting the steel structure with low-voltage protective electrical current. Cathodic protection offers an environmentally friendly, permanent solution to both the consequences of existing corrosion and against future corrosion formation, and stabilizes the load-bearing steel frame structure.
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