Modelling of corrosion induced cracking in reinforced concrete

I. Lau, G. Fu, C. Q. Li, S. De Silva

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperOther

Abstract

Practical experience and observations suggest that corrosion affected reinforced concrete structures are more prone to cracking than other forms of structural deterioration. Once a crack initiates at the steel-concrete interface it will propagate to a critical depth at which the crack becomes unstable and suddenly propagate to the concrete surface. This paper aims to develop a method to predict the critical crack depth for corrosion-induced cracking in reinforced concrete structures. The method is derived based on fracture mechanics whereby the stress intensity factor for a single radial crack in a thick-walled cylinder is first determined using the weight function method. It is found that the critical crack depth occurs at the same point regardless of the tensile strength but increases with the increase in concrete cover. It is also found that the concrete cover greatly affects the maximum internal pressure compared to concrete tensile strength.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLife-Cycle Analysis and Assessment in Civil Engineering
Subtitle of host publicationTowards an Integrated Vision - Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering, IALCCE 2018
EditorsDan M. Frangopol, Robby Caspeele, Luc Taerwe
PublisherCRC Press
Pages1895-1900
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781138626331
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering 2018 - Ghent, Belgium
Duration: 28 Oct 201831 Oct 2018
Conference number: 6th
http://www.ialcce2018.org/

Conference

ConferenceInternational Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering 2018
Abbreviated titleIALCCE 2018
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityGhent
Period28/10/1831/10/18
Internet address

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