Dual-Function Near-Surface Mounted Titanium Alloy Bars for Structural Strengthening and Cathodic Protection of Reinforced Concrete Infrastructure

Corrosion in reinforced concrete transportation infrastructure typically requires two separate repairs: structural strengthening to restore capacity and cathodic protection to stop ongoing corrosion. Treating them separately adds cost and complexity. This project developed and tested a dual-function repair system that combines both into a single near-surface mounted retrofit. High-strength titanium alloy bars are bonded into the concrete surface with a specially developed electrically conductive grout, so the same bars both reinforce the structure and serve as cathodic protection anodes. Electrochemical and structural testing on small-scale specimens and large-scale beams confirmed the system reliably restores flexural and shear capacity while providing stable, code-compliant corrosion protection, offering a more efficient path for rehabilitating aging bridges and concrete infrastructure.