Patent ID: 7160433

Claim:
A method of cathodic protection of reinforced concrete comprising the steps of: (1) providing a reinforced concrete structure containing embedded steel in intimate contact with the concrete; (2) providing a sacrificial metal anode; (3) embedding said sacrificial metal anode in an ionically conductive, compressible mortar matrix containing greater than 0.05 grams (dry basis) per cubic centimeter of a humectant, wherein the matrix is sufficiently compressible to absorb the products of corrosion of the sacrificial metal anode; (4) providing a metallic contact between said sacrificial metal anode and the embedded steel; and (5) patching said sacrificial metal anode together with said ionically conductive compressible mortar matrix into the reinforced concrete structure using cementitious patching material, thus enabling protective current to flow between the anode and the embedded steel.