Influence of Geometry Parameters on Durability of Concrete Structures Exposed to Chloride Environment

Abstract

Finite difference method (FDM) is used to numerical stimulation analysis for chloride diffusion in concrete. By numerical computing, comparison of chloride content profile in different concrete members with different sectional shapes is made. Calculation and comparison show the chloride content prolife in rectangular and circular section has obvious difference. If the side length of rectangular section is equal to the diameter of circular section, as well as the material property and environment, the chloride content in rectangular section is higher than that in that in circular section. In the calculation example, the chloride content at the depth of reinforcement of circular section is about 50-60% that of rectangular section. This tendency is more remarkable in less section dimension, as well as less cover thickness. With the increasing of section, the ratio of difference becomes to be less until to a constant value. In durability design and service life prediction of concrete structures, the section shape and dimension influence should be taken to consideration.