A mathematical model for predicting chloride penetration into concrete exposed to marine environment in temperate climate.

Title: A mathematical model for predicting chloride penetration into concrete exposed to marine environment in temperate climate.
Author(s): M. Massimo Borsa
Paper category : conference
Book title: Third International RILEM Workshop on Testing and Modelling Chloride Ingress into Concrete
Editor(s): C. Andrade and J. Kropp
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-48-9
e-ISBN: 2912143578
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 179 - 191
Total Pages: 13
Nb references: 17
Language: English

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe the most interesting aspects of a broad research program performed by Italcementi in Brindisi, concerning some durability aspects of large concrete structures exposed to a temperate marine environment (such as the Mediterranean Sea, for example). This research is aimed to define, to model and to verify the deterioration mechanisms of a concrete subjected to the chlorides attack, in presence of significant environmental factors (e.g. temperature, humidity). One of the main objectives of this research work is to provide some adequate tools for the designers, in order to calculate the concrete structures capable to guarantee a service life longer than a hundred years. A mathematical model is here described, which would be useful for predicting the chloride ions penetration into the concrete, considering the possible climate changes, which could strongly influence the kinetics of this attack. The model is based on mass balance of chloride ions and humidity inside concrete and on a thermal energy balance. A system of partial differential equations has been numerically solved to estimate the chloride ions profile inside the concrete. In this preliminary version, the model is only referred to the submerged zone. Furthermore, a short description of accelerated permeation tests and full-scale experimental tests is given. A comparison of model prediction and experimental profiles is also presented with some consideration on the proper diffusion coefficients, taken from migration test at steady state (Dss) or in non-steady state conditions (Dns) to be used in modeling of the natural diffusion in real structures.

Online publication: 2002-12-15
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143578.011