Significance of the corrosion propagation phase in service life prediction of cracked RC structures

Title: Significance of the corrosion propagation phase in service life prediction of cracked RC structures
Author(s): Mike B. Otieno, Mark G. Alexander, Hans D. Beushausen
Paper category : conference
Book title: 2nd International Symposium on Service Life Design for Infrastructures
Editor(s): K. van Breugel, Guang Ye, Yong Yuan
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-096-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-097-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2010
Pages: 553 - 560
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 22
Language: English

Abstract: Cracks in concrete may accelerate the ingress of corrosion species and hence significantly shorten or eliminate the corrosion initiation phase in the service life of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in aggressive environments. Taking into account that concrete in in-service structures is normally cracked, service life predictions based on corrosion initiation as a limit state criterion may not be realistic. In such instances, the service life of the RC structure should be defined using a limit state indicator in the propagation phase. In this paper, the importance of considering the propagation phase in cracked concrete is underscored, using results of an experimental study on chloride-induced corrosion in both cracked and uncracked beam specimens. A general discussion with respect to prediction of the corrosion propagation phase in cracked RC structures is also included.

Online publication: 2011-04-20
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00