Modelling the mechanical consequences of rebars corrosion on reinforced concrete structures in atmospheric conditions

Author(s): V. L’Hostis, A. Millard, P. Dillmann, B. Huet, R. Faquin, W. J. Chitty
Paper category: Workshop
Book title: International RILEM Workshop on Integral Service Life Modelling of Concrete Structures
Editor(s): R.M. Ferreira, J. Gulikers, C. Andrade
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-058-5
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-090-5
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 267 - 276
Total Pages: 10
Language: English

Abstract: 
Reinforced concrete is widely used in the construction of nuclear power plants and nuclear facilities structures related to long-term radioactive waste management. Safety and durability are key aspects for such structures in changing environment and considering extended period of time (up to several hundred years). In this context, one of the main causes for a shortened life time is the rebars corrosion leading to cracking and degradation of mechanical properties of structures.
In order to assess and model the mechanisms that lead to the degradations of RC structures exposed to atmospheric conditions, an extended multidisciplinary and multipartnership research program called CIMETAL is leaded by the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA, France).
This paper aims at presenting a synthesis of the modelling approach developed within this program in two steps:
1. Prediction of the evolution with time of the corrosion products layer depending on the relative humidity of the atmosphere,
2. Prediction of concrete cracking due to the growth of this corrosion products layer.
This modelling approach will be illustrated with the prediction of the cracking pattern of a 55 years old reinforced concrete building.

Keywords: corrosion propagation modelling, mechanical consequences, cracking

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