Electro-Osmotic Pulse Technology for Corrosion Prevention and Control of Water Intrusion in Below Grade Concrete Structures
Authors: Hock Vincent F. , Marshall Orange , McInerney Michael , Morefield Sean 
Published: March 2009

In below-grade buildings and buried structures, such as those constructed as hardened
secure facilities and used for munitions storage on U.S. Army installations, water intrusion can
cause serious damage and reduce penetration resistance. Inside the building active water and high
humidity can result in corrosion of HVAC, electronic equipment, as well as damage or disrupt
mission critical electronic equipment. In the adjacent backfill and the structure itself, excessive
water can seriously compromise the structural hardening of the facility. Thus, it is vital to Army
sustainability to control moisture in below-grade structures and eliminate corrosion of electrical
mechanical equipment. This also prevents mold growth on the interior surface of below grade
concrete walls and floors.
Control of water movement involves both actively removing water in and around a building,
and the use of barriers to prevent water from penetrating to interior spaces. A pumping system is
typically required with the use of a barrier system to assist in controlling the movement of moisture
into the structure. Conventional waterproofing technologies are expensive and often have short
service life. A new approach is needed—a cost effective and robust solution—to the pervasive
problem of water intrusion. Electro-Osmotic Pulse is a promising alternative solution presented
here.
Electro-Osmotic Pulse (EOP) technology uses pulses of electricity to reverse the flow of water
seepage. The applied voltage causes moisture to flow out of the basement walls and away from the
building. The technology works by alternately pulsating a direct electric field with an off period.
The first part of the sequence consists of a pulse of positive voltage (as seen from the dry side of the
concrete wall), followed by a pulse of negative voltage. This is followed by a period when no
voltage is applied. Of the three parts, the positive voltage pulse has the greatest time duration. The
amplitude of the positive signal is typically on the order of 20 to 40 Volts DC. This electrical pulse
causes cations (e.g., Ca++) and associated water molecules to move from the dry side (anode)
towards the wet side (cathode) against the direction of flow induced by the hydraulic gradient, thus
preventing water penetration through buried concrete structures.
Laboratory and field tests have shown an increase in calcium compounds at the cathode side of
test specimens. The negative portion of the pulse increases the efficiency of moisture movement by
depolarizing the electrodes.
Electro-Osmotic Pulse (EOP) technology has been successfully installed in military structures
such as family housing, steel reinforced deep structures, and tunnels. EOP has also been
implemented on Civilian structures such as residential structures, D.C. Metro Tunnels, and an
underground treasury vault. EOP has been shown to prevent moisture seepage into below-grade
structures. It is effective at keeping concrete surfaces at or below 50 percent humidity content,
meaning the treated space stays dry, indoor relative humidity stays low, and no mold or mildew can
grow.
This technology has received the 2002 international NOVA award for innovation in
construction, and twice nominated for the CERF Pankow award (1999 and 2004). The ERDC
research on this technology has also been recognized by the 2004 Army Research and Development
Achievement Award.