Anchor Rod Repair and Cathodic Protection Installation

Above and below grade condition assessments of guyed microwave towers indicated a number of inspected tower anchors were in need of repairs to either damaged coatings (galvanizing, tape wrap and brush applied protective coatings) or an existing sacrificial cathodic protection system.  As Matco Services’ staff members have extensive training in “knowledge based” corrosion assessments, they were able to determine the level of corrosion risk to inspected structures and implement appropriate corrosion mitigation procedures. 

A typical below ground anchor rod remediation includes a close examination for coatings damage or corrosion to determine the extent, location and and degree.  Where corrosion is present the use of a variety of corrosion mitigation applications are used to protect below grade ground anchor rods from corrosion.  In the following series of images the methods used to mitigate and control corrosion are presented in the order in which they were applied during this recent site survey.   

The photographs on the left and in the middle show an excavated anchor rod with surface rust and broken CAD welds.  Right, remediated anchor rod showing new CAD welds coated with wax tape and fiberglass tape at grade transition is shown.

Above: An anchor rod "as found", after wiring brushing to remove dirt particles and dust, and after the application of a protective coating system.

A remediated ground anchor with painted glass wrap at the above/below grade transition zone and rehabilitated sacrificial anode cathodic protection is shown above, left.  Installation of an impressed current cathodic protection (CP) system to protect a guyed microwave telecommunications tower from corrosion is shown in the middle image.  A DC rectifier and shunted junction box used for implementing and monitoring impressed current cathodic protection, is shown in the image on the right. 

Engineering Solutions and Mitigation Techniques:  As experienced materials and corrosion engineering experts, Matco Services' staff members are geared towards providing innovative and cost effective engineering solutions designed to meet the specific needs of our clients.  These solutions often incorporate the use of cathodic protection, application of protective coatings or tape wrappings, or the use of some other form of corrosion mitigation or early detection method.  Although Matco Services' has had the capability to carry out an assortment of these procedures for many years, we are delighted to now offer an additional scope of repair work that includes application of protective paints and coatings, structural repair and weld repair.  These repair procedures are performed by NACE certified technicians that have undergone extensive training in performing these repair procedures and corrosion mitigation techniques.       

Matco Services' Team Members - Our team includes experts in a variety of desciplines including corrosion engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, paint and coatings specialists, electrochemists, chemists, Ph.D. level scientists in materials selection and design, polymer and elastomer specialists, and concrete (petrographic) specialists that often work as a team to identify a the root cause of a materials failure.  We also have a vast array of laboratory and field testing equipment that is enlisted at times when a repair or refurbishment of a structure is required. All of Matco Services' testing equipment is calibrated on a routine basis in accordance with both national and international standards, and is ready to be put to use at a moment's notice. Matco Services' staff includes a variety of experts in corrosion and materials engineering, as well as the methods used to repair and retrofit a variety of structures.  The following staff memebers of Matco Services' are part of the service offerings listed on this page.  An asterisk indicates NACE training and certification.  

                      Mr. Ed Larkin                 Mr. Kevin Groll, P.E. (*)

                      Mr. Walter Gretz, P.E.    Mr. Geoff Rhodes

                      Mr. Sam Scheinman (*)   Mr. John McArdle (*)

                      Mr. Ron Hansen (*)         Mr. Gary Woita  

                      Mr. Dan Gibson              Mr. Doug Swensen (*)

We Value Our Customers... Throughout the years we have noticed that much of our business comes from repeat customers. Our expertise and well-equipped lab can account for much of this, but we believe there is something more to it. We attribute it to the fact that we promote an open and friendly environment that is never too busy to meet your needs. At Matco Services we value your business whether you are a large corporation or a small enterprise. We will provide you with the attention you need and deserve. We invite you to visit us and get to know our staff, and share in the learning experience.

Why Choose Matco Services? As one of the premier testing, inspection, and repair firms,  Matco Services is able to provide a unique and diverse blend of services. Thousands of investigations have been performed at Matco Services, ranging from jet engines and boiler tubes, to computer components and implants that have promoted the advanced understanding of why these components fail to meet expectations.  Combined with our new repair and retrofit capabilities for a variety of structure types we are now able to offer our clients a comprehensive array of services from project start, to project finish.  As always, projects are conducted discretely so that client confidentiality is ensured.