Project Overview
At the Brickell Key waterfront, the Isola Condominium features a heavily used elevated swimming pool structure exposed to a harsh marine environment. Over time, chloride intrusion led to active reinforcement corrosion, threatening both durability and safety.
Rather than pursuing a costly and disruptive full replacement, the condominium association sought a long-term corrosion mitigation solution.
The Challenge
Concrete deterioration in coastal structures is often driven by chloride-induced corrosion of embedded steel. In this case, the pool structure had already entered the active corrosion phase, meaning traditional patch repairs alone would not stop ongoing damage. Situated on the waterfront in Miami, Isola is subjected to a highly aggressive exposure environment. Elevated levels of atmospheric chlorides from the marine setting, coupled with chemical exposure from the pool, accelerate chloride ingress into the concrete. This leads to depassivation of the reinforcing steel and ongoing corrosion activity.
A full pool replacement was estimated to cost millions, including demolition, reconstruction, and extended downtime for residents.
The Solution: ZEBRA ICCP System
NoCo implemented its ZEBRA Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system to address corrosion at its source and provide long-term protection of the reinforcing steel.
- System Design: Durability, Inc.
- Installation: Pro-Max Painting & Restoration
- Technology Provider: NoCo (ZEBRA ICCP)
The ZEBRA system applies a controlled electrical current to the embedded reinforcement, effectively stopping the corrosion process and preventing further structural deterioration.
Why ICCP Instead of Replacement?
Rather than pursuing a costly and disruptive full replacement, ICCP offers a targeted solution that addresses the underlying cause of deterioration.
- Arrests active corrosion—not just surface damage
- Extends the service life of the existing structure
- Minimizes disruption to residents and operations
- Provides a reliable, monitorable, and maintainable long-term solution
Results & Value Delivered
Significant Cost Savings
- Estimated full replacement: $1M+
- ZEBRA ICCP implementation: ~$200,000
- Approximately 80% cost avoidance
Extended Service Life
By protecting the reinforcing steel, the system substantially prolongs the lifespan of the pool structure and delays the need for major capital replacement.
Sustainability Benefits
Avoiding demolition and reconstruction reduces material usage, construction waste, and overall environmental impact.
Long-Term Asset Protection
The association preserved a key amenity while mitigating future repair costs and capital expenditures.
Conclusion
The Isola Condominium project demonstrates how cathodic protection can transform a potential multimillion-dollar liability into a cost-effective asset preservation strategy. Through the implementation of the ZEBRA ICCP system, NoCo enabled the association to stop corrosion, extend service life, and safeguard long-term value.
Additional Case Studies
Residential Structures
NDLFC Shipping Container
NDLFC Shipping Container
Corrosion of steel shipping container
AMP-UP™ 100 Self-Healing Primer, AMP-UP™ Urethane
Bridges & Tunnels
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Corrosion of reinforced concrete elements
Camur III, CASSETTE™ ICCP
Commercial
Miami Freedom Tower
Miami Freedom Tower
Corrosion of reinforced concrete elements
Camur III, CASSETTE™ ICCP, PatchGuard Connect Galvanic Anodes, ZEBRA Conductive Paint ICCP