Abstract
ABSTRACT Adequate cover thickness contributes to the correct performance of reinforced concrete structures. Spacers are recommended in standards to maintain a concrete cover; however, many regulations do not provide sufficient guidelines for their use, resulting in poor construction. A research program was developed for solid slabs through computational and experimental simulations to minimize errors in the cover by assessing different reinforcement bar diameters and spacer distribution, considering realistic element construction and standards, combining theory with practice. The results show that the use of spacers does not guarantee the design cover for some reinforcement bar diameters, as 4.2 and 5.0 mm, and regardless of the spacer distribution configuration assessed, these meshes undergo permanent deformation, thereby damaging the cover and consequently impact structural performance. Meshes of 6.3 and 8.0 mm diameters present deformation within the cover tolerance. Therefore, it is preferable to choose bigger diameters and larger mesh spacing to guarantee the projected cover, contributing to the correct performance of the structures, solving one of the major problems in this type of construction.
Highlights
A durable reinforced concrete structure should maintain its original shape, quality, and ease of maintenance when exposed in the environment throughout its projected service life [1]
This study aimed to assess the influence of the spacers distribution to obtain the reinforcement concrete cover of solid slabs, considering some factors that could affect it during the concreting process
The meshes with 4.2 mm diameter resulted in non-executable scenarios, as they presented deformations that do not exceed the standard cover execution tolerance of 10 mm, while meshes with 5.0 mm steel bars result in unworkable cover values in works that consider a high execution control, as they present deformation greater than 5 mm, irrespective of the distribution of spacers
Summary
A durable reinforced concrete structure should maintain its original shape, quality, and ease of maintenance when exposed in the environment throughout its projected service life [1]. To protect against aggressive agents, the reinforcement is encased in a concrete cover layer [2], [3], which is defined as the distance between the outer face of the structural member to the nearest bar, including the stirrup and secondary reinforcement [4], [5]. The minimum cover implemented should ensure safe transmission of bond forces, protection of steel bars against corrosion (durability) and adequate fire resistance [6]. Several analysis are developed to predict the effect of the penetration of aggressive agents on the structure, as well as its durability, to assist in prevention strategies [8], [9]. Most models of service-life prediction are correlated with durability and, subsequently, cover
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
