Abstract
An electrochemical model is presented to calculate the rebar shape time-evolution in reinforced mortar specimens during forced corrosion tests. This provides a more realistic description than the usually used geometric models. The current distribution along the rebar perimeter is calculated by using Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve Laplace equation. Then, Faraday’s law is used to relate current distribution to rebar volume increase due to corrosion products creation. The shape of the rebar section is obtained as a function of corrosion time.
Highlights
Corrosion of steel is one of the main mechanisms limiting the service life of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures, both in buildings and civil infrastructure [1]
The current distribution along the rebar perimeter is calculated by using Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve Laplace equation
The present paper focuses on a forced corrosion test method, where an a more realistic model would be desirable
Summary
Corrosion of steel is one of the main mechanisms limiting the service life of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures, both in buildings and civil infrastructure [1]. Further consequences of the corrosion of embedded steel are the following: loss of bond between concrete and steel, loss of steel ductility, and loss of cross-sectional area of steel [5]. These phenomena contribute to reducing the serviceability and load bearing capacity of the structures. The appearance of cracking is considered as the limit state regarding the durability of concrete structures affected by steel reinforcement corrosion [6,7]. As metal converts in its corrosion products, the structure’s strength weakens due to a metal section loss [5]
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