FINDINGS 



1. A cathodic protection system utilizing specially cast zinc anodes on links 

 in the ground taci<le has provided a Fleet mooring in San Diego Bay with 

 3-1/2 years of protection from corrosion. 



2. After 3-1/2 years of service, about one-third of the zinc has been lost from 

 the anodes located on the buoy, and about one-tenth of the zinc has been lost 

 from the anodes located on the ground tackle. 



3. The cathodic protection system performed well with the ground legs on 

 either a sandy or a muddy bottom. 



4. A steel ground cable was woven through the ground tackle and periodically 

 attached to it in order to achieve a thorough distribution of the cathodic 

 potentials. 



CONCLUSIONS 



1. The NCEL-developed cathodic protection system that contains specially 

 cast zinc anodes on links in the ground tackle and steel cables woven througl 

 the links to provide continuity for the cathodic potentials can completely 

 protect from corrosion the underwater portion of a mooring buoy and its 

 ground tackle for at least 10 years before anode replacement is necessary. 



2. Such a cathodic protection system can result in considerable savings in 

 the maintenance of Fleet moorings. 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



1. The presently designed cathodic protection system should be widely used 

 throughout the Naval Shore Establishment. 



2. Further limited effort should be made to determine if a simpler system 

 of securing zinc anodes to mooring chairs can be devised. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENT 



Personnel at Navy Public Works Center, San Diego were most helpful 

 in providing technical support and cost data. 



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