Meso-scale simulation of chloride ingress in cracked concrete

Author(s): B. Šavija, J. Pacheco, E. Schlangen, R.B. Polder
Paper category: Conference
Book title: 2nd International conference on Microstructural-related Durability of Cementitious Composites
Editor(s): Guang Ye, K. Van Breugel, Wei Sun, Changwen Miao
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-129-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-123-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 532-540
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: 
A three-dimensional meso-scale lattice model for simulating chloride diffusion in uncracked and cracked concrete is presented. Both the fracture and the chloride diffusion simulations consider concrete as a three-phase composite, consisting of coarse aggregates, mortar matrix and the interface. Based on Fick’s second law, a discrete formulation using the lattice approach is proposed. Different phases are assigned with different properties (tensile strength, diffusion coefficient) in order to simulate the fracture and ingress behaviour. Also, a temperature dependent diffusion coefficient is taken into account. The effects of temperature and concrete heterogeneity on the chloride penetration are evaluated and discussed. In order to model the influence of cracking on chloride ingress, a relation between the crack width and the diffusion coefficient is adopted. Also in the case of cracked concrete, the effect of temperature is evaluated and discussed. This study shows that concrete temperature and composition have a marked effect on chloride ingress in concrete. In cracked concrete, although these factors also have an influence, the most significant is the effect of cracking. It is concluded that the lattice model can be successfully applied to model chloride diffusion in uncracked and cracked concrete on the meso-scale.

Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00