The MEP allows the monitoring of steel embedded within concrete.

There are challenges associated with taking reference measurements with steel embedded in concrete due to lack of access to the steel and poor interface between a reference electrode and the concrete. The MEP solves this problem by embedding the reference within the concrete permanently and making a connection to the steel to be monitored. This is then brought out to a test box along with all the other wires from the probe to be monitored. The reference electrode, and two steel coupons are all available at the same point after installation. No more chipping away concrete or searching around to find a connection point to the steel, all the connections are available in one test box.

Reliability

The MEP allows embedded rebar and piping within concrete to be monitored for corrosion. Corrosion of rebar can affect the strength and integrity of structures, and corrosion of embedded piping is expensive and labour-intensive to fix. Knowing about the corrosion before it progresses is key to preventing later issues.

Accuracy

The MEP includes a manganese dioxide reference electrode, a carbon steel element, and a stainless steel element.

Readings can be taken between the reference electrode and the element that closely matches the structure being monitored.

The steel elements are connected through the test box and the structure lead, so they experience the same cathodic protection as the structure.