A review of the chloride transport properties of cracked concrete: experiments and simulations

Abstract

Chloride transport property is very important for the durability and service life of reinforced concrete structures subjected to marine environments and de-icing salt. In reality, for different reasons, concrete structures are frequently cracked, and cracks can alter the chloride transport properties of concrete. Recently, several studies have been conducted by both experiment and simulation on the influence of cracks on the chloride transport properties of concrete. The aim of this paper is to review these research efforts. The experimental methods and simulation approaches on the chloride transport properties of cracked concrete are introduced. Detailed discussions on the findings from these experimental and simulation studies are given. The chloride transport properties of cracked concrete are influenced by various factors, such as crack geometry, concrete composition, and load condition. Research in this area is still on-going, and many problems need to be settled before proposing reliable models for predicting the service life of real cracked concrete structures in chloride environments. Hence, some further research topics are recommended. The influences of other factors, such as carbonation, freeze-thaw, fatigue, and saturation degree, on the transport properties of cracked concrete should be revealed.