Cathodic protection: the sustainable solution to corrosion in reinforced and prestressed concrete

Anodes

Automata

Connectivity

Implementation tools

Quality Control

BlueSpine is a French manufacturer of cathodic protection equipment for reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. We design and manufacture a comprehensive range of equipment to protect infrastructure from corrosion.

We train construction companies in installation and provide technical support for every project, from cost estimation to commissioning.

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Neurona: the remote monitoring platform for cathodic protection systems

Our Neurona monitoring platform ensures long-term monitoring of the facility. It is designed to be managed independently by the facility manager or directly by BlueSpine for maximum security.

Discover the Neurona platform

Cathodic protection in reinforced and prestressed concrete

The mechanism of cathodic protection

Cathodic protection acts directly on the corrosion mechanism. It circulates a direct current between an anode embedded in the concrete and the reinforcing bars. Its mechanism is based on two complementary actions.

A wide range of interventions, from preventive to curative

Cathodic protection is used as a preventive measure on new structures (with a lifespan of up to 100 years) and as a remedial measure on existing structures (with a lifespan ranging from 10 to over 50 years, depending on the solution chosen).

+100 years +50 years +30 years + 20 years + 10 years
Preventive PCCI Treatment PCCI Treatment PCCG Treatment Security
New building equipped with Ti MMO from the start of construction Existing Ti MMO anodes (strips, discrete) Existing structure
carbon paint
electrically conductive Existing structure
 with monitored zinc anodes Zn anodes embedded in repair patches*

* The Zn anodes embedded in repair patches are not monitored and therefore do not strictly fall under the category of cathodic protection (as defined by EN ISO 12696). They are used to limit the induced anode effect around repaired areas; they should be reserved for small repairs and low levels of corrosion.

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Our comprehensive range of corrosion treatment products

A comprehensive range of solutions for long-term corrosion protection

We provide all the equipment and software solutions required for a cathodic protection system:

  • anodes;
  • controllers;
  • sensors;
  • connectors;
  • quality control tool (Q-Box);
  • Neurona monitoring platform.

Designed and manufactured in France, BlueSpine equipment complies with the main international standards for cathodic protection of reinforced concrete: EN ISO 12696 in Europe, as well as AMPP SP0290 and SP0408 in the Americas.

The PassCorr Certification Process

The PassCorr training program helps construction companies integrate cathodic protection into their services through two modules:

  • PassCorr 1, the sales module;
  • PassCorr 2, the construction module.

Technical support throughout the project

At every stage of the project, from cost estimation to commissioning, your teams can consult our certified experts (EN ISO 15257) on technical matters. Access to the Neurona monitoring platform allows you to remotely manage and monitor the installation throughout its operational life.

From hardware design to remote management, BlueSpine provides, trains, and supports. Your partners handle the installation.

PassCorr Certification: Make Cathodic Protection a New In-House Expertise

Cathodic protection: a complementary skill to your existing expertise

Are you already skilled in concrete repair, structural reinforcement, or waterproofing? Cathodic protection is the perfect complement to your existing skills. Installing anodes, connecting them to the rebar, and integrating sensors: these steps fit seamlessly into the workflow of a renovation project. Add a unique skill to your service offering without disrupting your current business.

Overview of the PassCor Certification Process

The PassCorr Certification Program is a training course designed for companies in the building and construction and civil engineering sectors. It provides you with the expertise, tools, and technical support needed to incorporate cathodic protection into your service offerings and position yourself in a rapidly growing renovation market.

2 modules

Flexible format

Scheduled according to your project timeline

PassCorr 1 PassCorr 2
Objective Evaluate opportunities, respond to a request for proposals, prepare cost estimates Set up, monitor, and follow up during the first year
Public Sales teams and account managers Construction supervisors, site managers, construction crews
Duration 1 day 2 days
Format In Reims, at your office, or remotely In Reims, at your office, or at your first construction site

Prerequisites: Construction or civil engineering contractor.
Note on complementarity with certification programs:
The PassCorr certification complements the individual EN ISO 15257 certification tracks (Levels 1 through 5) in Europe and the AMPP CP1 through CP4 tracks in North America. It provides you with the operational prerequisites (understanding of structural defects, familiarity with BlueSpine equipment, and construction site methodology) that facilitate the preparation for and successful completion of individual certifications.

4 Reasons to Become a PassCorr Partner

01

A rapidly growing renovation market

Corrosion affects all industries and all types of structures. Concrete is everywhere. In nearly 80% of cases, it is the first sign of deterioration to appear on damaged structures. Today, few renovation or construction companies include cathodic protection in their services: this is an accessible and unique market opportunity worth pursuing.

02

A quick return on investment in skills development

In just three days of training, your sales and construction teams will be up and running with cathodic protection. This is a manageable investment, backed by BlueSpine’s support in identifying opportunities, cost estimation, and the implementation of your first project.

03

A comprehensive program

With PassCorr 1, your sales representatives learn how to identify opportunities within your network of project owners and general contractors, evaluate projects, and respond to a request for proposals.
With PassCorr 2, your construction teams master installation, quality control, and the mandatory first-year follow-up. You’re fully operational from cost estimation through commissioning.

04

The BlueSpine ecosystem at your disposal

Once your company is PassCorr-certified, it will join the BlueSpine Partner Club. You’ll gain access to:
• a dedicated professional portal;
• regular technical updates;
• monitoring tools;
• ongoing technical support from our certified experts;
• joint business development for projects you identify.

Become a BlueSpine Partner

Two solutions: cathodic protection tailored to each structure

Cathodic protection is divided into two categories: impressed current cathodic protection (PCCI) and galvanic current cathodic protection (PCCG). Both are based on the same electrochemical principle, but differ in terms of the type of anodes used, whether or not an external current is applied, and their specific applications.

Forced-Current Cathodic Protection (FCCP)

A direct current, supplied by a generator (BSCP-100 controller), flows continuously between inert anodes (made of MMO titanium or electrically conductive carbon paint) and the reinforcements to be protected. The current is adjustable on a zone-by-zone basis, allowing for the management of geometric and exposure variations in the structure. You can precisely control the system and verify performance criteria across the entire structure.

Service life: 30 to 50 years, depending on the anodizing system used.

See forced-current anodes

Galvanic Current Cathodic Protection (GCCP)

Zinc sacrificial anodes generate a protective current without an external power source: the zinc oxidizes in place of the steel, thereby protecting it. This is a simple solution to install, particularly well-suited for isolated structures without access to electricity.

The galvanic family is divided into two categories.

See galvanic anodes

Which cathodic protection technology is right for your structure?

The choice of cathodic protection depends on the type of corrosion (carbonation or chloride-induced), the environment, the reinforcement density, and the desired service life. The BlueSpine technical team will work with you to identify the most appropriate solution.

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The BlueSpine range: from quality control to long-term management

Cathodic protection isn’t limited to zinc, carbon, or titanium anodes. BlueSpine provides all the equipment and tools necessary for the system to function properly, from on-site supervision to long-term management. Choose a single supplier for the entire process, ensuring technical consistency and responsive support throughout the project.

Q-Box · Quality Control

A multi-function testing device developed by BlueSpine for quality control at every stage of the construction project: electrical continuity testing, zone-by-zone provisional commissioning, and an automatically updated Quality Assurance Plan.

See the Q-Box

Connectivity

XLPE-to-XLPE cables, instrumented Smart Junction Boxes (IP66/IK10), and connection accessories for connecting anodes, controllers, and sensors.

See the connectors

BSCP-100 Controllers · Modular Architecture

Cathodic protection controllers designed to regulate the injected current on a zone-by-zone basis. Their modular design adapts to any structure by allowing generators to be added as needed.

See the BSCP-100 controllers

Sensors

Mn/MnO₂ reference electrodes, Ti MMO depolarization probes. Continuous verification of performance criteria in accordance with EN ISO 12696.

See sensors

Neurona Platform

A remote control and monitoring interface: PLC control, tracking of EN ISO 12696 performance indicators, and automatic incident alerts for predictive maintenance.

View the platform

Areas of application

Buildings and Public Access Buildings

Engineering structures

Historic Landmarks

Industrial and energy infrastructure

They chose BlueSpine

Royal Racing Club of Brussels grandstand

treated

years' lifespan

Industrial warehouse in Mannheim

treated

years' lifespan

FAQ

Your questions, our answers

Is forced current always more expensive than galvanic current?

No, it depends on the context. For structures with low levels of contamination, galvanic protection is often more cost-effective in terms of initial investment. But for structures with high chloride content or large steel surfaces, the number of zinc anodes required to provide the protective current becomes substantial—requiring more drilling, placing a load on the structure, and causing overall costs to skyrocket. With impressed current, the current can be precisely adjusted using a generator, requiring only a fraction of the number of anodes and resulting in more manageable total costs. It is precisely this preliminary technical analysis that allows for a decision between the two methods, based on objective criteria.

No, it depends on the context. For structures with low levels of contamination, galvanic protection is often more cost-effective in terms of initial investment. But for structures with high chloride content or large steel surfaces, the number of zinc anodes required to provide the protective current becomes substantial—requiring more drilling, placing a load on the structure, and causing overall costs to skyrocket. With impressed current, the current can be precisely adjusted using a generator, requiring only a fraction of the number of anodes and resulting in more manageable total costs. It is precisely this preliminary technical analysis that allows for a decision between the two methods, based on objective criteria.

No, it depends on the context. For structures with low levels of contamination, galvanic protection is often more cost-effective in terms of initial investment. But for structures with high chloride content or large steel surfaces, the number of zinc anodes required to provide the protective current becomes substantial—requiring more drilling, placing a load on the structure, and causing overall costs to skyrocket. With impressed current, the current can be precisely adjusted using a generator, requiring only a fraction of the number of anodes and resulting in more manageable total costs. It is precisely this preliminary technical analysis that allows for a decision between the two methods, based on objective criteria.

Have a question, need a quote, or interested in training? Let's talk.

Whether you’re a construction company looking to add cathodic protection to your services, or a project owner or contractor seeking to extend the lifespan of a structure and control its operating costs, the BlueSpine team is here to support you.

Talk to an expert

Regulatory compliance

EN ISO 12696

Cathodic protection of steel in concrete (Europe).

EN ISO 15257

Competency levels and certification for cathodic protection personnel (Europe).

AMPP SP0290

Cathodic Protection of Reinforcing Steel in Atmospherically Exposed Concrete Structures (North America).

AMPP SP0408

Cathodic Protection of Reinforcing Steel in Buried or Submerged Concrete Structures (North America).

AMPP CP1 à CP4

Individual staff certifications (North America).

EN 1504

Products and systems for the protection and repair of reinforced concrete structures (as part of concrete rehabilitation).

Recommandation PCRA 013 (CEFRACOR, Dec. 2019)

Guidelines for supervision and subcontracting based on skill levels.