As environmental protection becomes a top priority, the aging of concrete infrastructure presents a major challenge. Reinforcement corrosion in concrete is one of the main causes of this deterioration, weakening structures and endangering public safety.
The collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden in September 2024, following the Morandi Bridge failure in Genoa in 2018, is a stark reminder that these structures are not eternal. Demolition and reconstruction are neither viable nor sustainable solutions—they come with high costs and severe environmental consequences.
🌱 Why Preserve Instead of Rebuild?
Rebuilding infrastructure leaves a significant environmental footprint, due to:
Massive waste generation: The Morandi Bridge collapse required the removal of nearly 4,500 tons of concrete and steel.
High carbon footprint of cement: Cement production accounts for 7% of global CO2 emissions, exceeding those from the entire aviation industry.
Excessive sand consumption: A rapidly depleting resource, its extraction contributes to coastal erosion and water wastage.
Stricter environmental regulations: Policies like "Zero Net Land Take" are drastically limiting new construction projects.
To address these challenges, cathodic protection for infrastructure emerges as the most efficient solution to extend the lifespan of existing structures while minimizing their environmental impact.
✨ How Does Cathodic Protection Reduce the Carbon Footprint?
Did you know that reinforced concrete naturally absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere? On average, 10 kg of CO2 per cubic meter of concrete is captured over its lifespan, mitigating some of its production emissions.
However, this process also reduces the alkalinity of concrete, accelerating steel reinforcement corrosion. Cathodic protection plays a dual role:
Halting active corrosion, significantly extending the lifespan of structures.
Re-alkalizing concrete, preserving its CO2 absorption capabilities while maintaining durability.
✨ An eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution
Unlike other concrete rehabilitation methods, cathodic protection has a low environmental impact:
Minimal energy consumption: 1W per 10m² of protected surface—less than a household refrigerator.
Solar power compatibility, offering an even more sustainable solution.
Extends infrastructure lifespan by up to 50 years, drastically reducing the need for costly and environmentally damaging reconstruction.
🚀 BlueSpine : a sustainable and responsible technology
At BlueSpine, we are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of our solutions:
Optimized materials: Reduced cabling to minimize carbon impact.
Plug-and-play technology: Quick installation, lowering emissions from construction work.
Locally manufactured: Components sourced exclusively in Europe, with production in our Reims-based facility in France.
Why choose cathodic protection for your infrastructures?
Cathodic protection is not just an effective solution against corrosion—it is a key driver in reducing the environmental footprint of reinforced concrete structures.
In a world where sustainable infrastructure is no longer an option but a necessity, we must rethink how we approach maintenance. At BlueSpine, we provide innovative and responsible solutions to help you extend the life of your structures while protecting the environment.
📢 Want to Learn More?
Contact us today to discover how we can help you extend the lifespan of your infrastructure while reducing its environmental impact!
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