Spatial Distribution of Corrosion Products Influenced by the Initial Defects and Corrosion-Induced Cracking of the Concrete

Abstract

Abstract This paper studies the spatial distribution of the corrosion products in concrete based on a series of experimental investigations of a marine construction. The distributions of defects and corrosion products in the concrete cover were identified in a mesoscale based on the computed tomography test, and the fractal dimension of cracks was analyzed. Some cracks and defects were filled by corrosion products in various degrees. The results showed that the defects were significantly influenced by the shape and relative location of the deformed steel reinforcement, which would then lead to the variation of the corrosion layer. The migration of corrosion products was particularly affected by the location and geometry of the defects, which could provide a suitable channel for the migration of corrosion products. The research can be helpful for the prediction of concrete cracking performance induced by the chloride-induced corrosion of the steel reinforcement.