Anode banks are used to provide cathodic protection to _________.

Anode banks are designed specifically for providing cathodic protection to sections of piping. This method involves installing multiple anodes that release electrons into the surrounding environment, effectively preventing corrosion on metal surfaces. The placement and number of these anodes can be tailored to protect the specific sections of piping by supplying sufficient protective current to combat electrochemical corrosion processes.

When considering other options, small hot spot areas may be addressed using different types of anodes or protective measures rather than using anode banks, which are meant for broader, more extensive applications. Aboveground structures are typically managed with different corrosion prevention techniques, such as coatings and other methods. While pipelines in salt water also require cathodic protection, the reference to pipeline sections encompasses a wider range of situations, including those in salt water, as it emphasizes the broad applicability of anode banks in protecting sections of piping in various environments.