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Cracking in Reinforced Concrete Cross-Sections Due to Non-Uniformly Distributed Corrosion.
Magdalena German1, Jerzy Pamin1
1Chair for Computational Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2023
Summary
This study simulates corrosion-induced concrete fractures using the finite element method, revealing complex crack patterns around reinforcing bars due to non-uniform rust expansion. Findings aid in predicting structural failures and concrete spalling.
Area of Science:
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science
- Structural Engineering
Background:
- Corrosion of reinforced concrete (RC) structures presents significant safety and economic challenges.
- Understanding corrosion-induced cracking is crucial for structural integrity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate and analyze corrosion-induced fractures in concrete, considering non-uniform rust expansion.
- To investigate crack formation, propagation, and failure patterns in RC structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the finite element (FE) method for numerical simulation.
- Modeling concrete with a damage-plasticity model and steel as elastic-plastic.
- Representing rust as an interface simulating volumetric expansion and concrete cracking.
Main Results:
- Simulated two-dimensional FE models of RC cross-sections with varying numbers of reinforcing bars.
- Observed complex crack patterns, particularly around side reinforcing bars.
- Predicted interactions between cracks and potential failure modes, including concrete spalling.
Conclusions:
- Non-uniform corrosion leads to more complex crack patterns than uniform corrosion.
- The FE model effectively simulates corrosion-induced cracking and predicts structural behavior.
- Results provide insights into the failure mechanisms of corroding RC structures.
Keywords:
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