Modelling of non-uniform corrosion-induced cover cracking in reinforced concrete

Abstract

Cover cracking and spalling in concrete due to corrosion of reinforcement bars is one of the major concerns for durability of reinforced concrete structures and has been widely researched during recent years. Most approaches to the problem are based on a uniform corrosion and expansion pressure around the rebar. However, corrosion rust tends to accumulate around the steel circumference that faces the concrete cover. From this outer part of the rebar, the corrosion front gradually advances to the inner, which entails a non-uniform expansive pressure around the rebar. The purpose of the study is to simulate the effect of non-uniform rust distribution around the corroded rebar, taking advantage of an embedded cohesive crack finite element. The objective is to develop more realistic models for the estimation of the service life of reinforced concrete structures