Influence of an applied compressive load on service life of reinforced concrete structures

Author(s): T. J. Zhao (Invited speaker) , F. X. Jiang, F. H. Wittmann, Y. T. Wang
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Concrete under Severe Conditions – Environment and Loading
Editor(s): Z.J. Li, W. Sun, C.W. Miao, K.Sakai, O.E. Gjørv, N.Banthia
ISBN: 978-2-35158-124-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-134-6
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2013
Pages: 98-107
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: Service life of reinforced concrete structures in severe marine environment depends among other actions essentially on chloride migration through the concrete cover. Usually the time necessary to accumulate a critical amount of chloride near the surface of the steel reinforcement is considered to be the service life of a given structure. One key parameter for the calculation of the migration of chloride into concrete is the apparent diffusion coefficient. This can be measured in a laboratory following national or international standards. In this contribution it will be shown that an applied load has a significant influence on the diffusion coefficient. The diffusion coefficient decreases under the influence of an applied modest compressive load. Above a critical load, however, the apparent diffusion coefficient increases with increasing load. The latter effect will lead to a considerable reduction of the service life. It will be shown that for realistic service life prediction just as well as for service life design the load, which can be expected under given conditions in practice has to be taken into consideration in realistic service life design.

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