The IJzertoren, with its impressive height of 84 meters, is one of the most iconic peace monuments in Flanders. Since its construction between 1951 and 1965, it has been a central symbol commemorating the Flemish victims of the First World War. Monumental heritage such as this naturally deserves the utmost care.
As part of the recent renovation work, Sanacon was called in to play a crucial role in the sustainable preservation of this historic structure. The result? The installation of the highest cathodic protection system (CP) for reinforced concrete ever installed in Flanders.
In early 2024, contractor Monument Renovation Technics (MRT) reported that fragments of masonry had become detached from the underside of the crosshead—at a height of approximately 70 meters. During the scaffolding’s construction, small fragments had fallen, a clear indication of underlying damage.
The client, the non-profit organization Pilgrimage to the Graves on the Yser, commissioned Sanacon, under the guidance of architect Rudy Vereecke, to conduct a specialized investigation into the condition of the concrete.
Our exploratory investigation revealed that both the steel supporting structure and the reinforcement in the floor slabs were subject to corrosion. This damage was caused by a combination of concrete degradation due to carbonation and the presence of chlorides—presumably introduced during the original construction.
The client made two clear demands:
This ruled out options such as installing nets to capture debris. Because the cause of the damage was present everywhere—even in places where no visible damage was yet visible—cathodic protection offered a particularly suitable and future-proof solution.
Moreover, the existing masonry underneath makes it difficult to visually monitor future damage. The Royal Decree was therefore not only a remedial measure but also a preventative measure.
The strength of this project lay in the complementary teamwork. MRT proposed incorporating titanium strips into the joints between the concrete elements and routing the cabling directly through the floor slab. Sanacon developed this proposal technically into a fully compliant design.
The result is unique:
The system was energized in September 2024. Initial measurement results clearly show that the reinforcement is successfully protected against further corrosion.
This project can rightly be called a new milestone for cathodic protection in Flanders: a successful collaboration between a specialized contractor and a technical engineering firm, with respect for heritage and an eye to the future.
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