Cathodic Protection of Steel Frame Structures

It was only in the late 1860s, with the invention of the Bessemer steelmaking process, that designers realised they could construct multi-storey buildings using steel frames. More than 160 years later, the consequences of limited early understanding and inadequate detailing are evident in the form of Regent Street Disease.

The presentation, The Cathodic Protection of Steel Frame Buildings, explores the nature of Regent Street Disease and examines the principles of conservation in relation to listed and heritage structures. It provides an overview of corrosion and cathodic protection, highlights the importance of thorough investigations, condition surveys, and feasibility studies, and explains their advantages prior to selecting a repair methodology. The presentation also considers alternative repair options and discusses a selection of recent projects undertaken by CRL.