Non-Uniform Corrosion-Induced Reinforced Concrete Cracking: An Analytical Approach

摘要

Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete is a global problem for reinforced concrete structures/infrastructures in a chloride and/or carbon dioxide-laden environment. It can lead to premature concrete cracking and spalling, and ultimately structural collapse. The costs of annual maintenance and repairs in the world have been reported as extremely high. In modelling of corrosion induced concrete cracking, the distribution of the corrosion products around the reinforcing steel is key to determining the expansive forces, whilst most researchers assume a uniform corrosion development. In this paper, a more realistic non-uniform corrosion distribution around the reinforcing steel is considered and an analytical model of the corrosion induced concrete cracking is derived. The effect of applied load on the corrosion induced cracking is also considered in the model. The complex variable method is employed to formulate the stress field in concrete. With the inputs from the actual corrosion rate history, the model developed can predict the time of the cracking initiation. The model derived can be used as a tool to assess the serviceability of corrosion affected concrete structures.