Influence of Transverse Crack Opening Size on Chloride-Induced Corrosion of Steel Bars in Concrete
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 6
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of crack opening size on the corrosion initiation and propagation of reinforcing steel bars in precracked concrete as a result of chloride ingress. Uncracked (reference) and transversely cracked reinforced concrete beam specimens were prepared for laboratory experiments. Specimens were fabricated with crack mouth opening widths of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.7 mm (0.004, 0.012, and 0.028 in.). A ponding well was installed on top of the specimens above the cracks; specimens were subjected to two-week wet and two-week dry cycles with 3% by weight NaCl solution in the pond. Electrochemical tests and visual inspections were conducted to evaluate the condition of the reinforcing bars. The results after approximately 550 days of the experiment showed that steel in specimens with a 0.7 mm (0.028 in.) crack opening exhibited more severe corrosion than steel in specimens with a 0.3 mm (0.012 in.) crack opening. Corrosion behavior of steel bars in specimens with 0.1 mm (0.004 in.) crack opening was distinct. Bars in these specimens had high corrosion rates initially, but as time progressed, the corrosion rate decreased significantly.
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Acknowledgments
This work was financially supported by the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq, the Iraqi prime ministry, and Glenn Department of Civil Engineering at Clemson University. The electrochemical measurements were conducted in the Corrosion Research Laboratory at Clemson University.
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 25 • Issue 6 • June 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 21, 2019
Accepted: Dec 12, 2019
Published online: Apr 13, 2020
Published in print: Jun 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Sep 14, 2020
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