Analytical Study of Mechanism of Concrete Cracking and Its Propagation Due to Corrosion of Reinforcement in RCC

Abstract

The experimental results which were carried out by different researchers on corrosion of RCC beam were validated in ABAQUS. A finite element (FE) model similar to experimental condition was generated in ABAQUS. The model with different percentages of corrosion and with varying load conditions was also generated. The deflections of RCC beam for different corrosion percentages and for varying load conditions were then validated. The model is then used to explore the effects of bar radial expansion, due to formation of corrosion products, on the cracking of cover concrete. The predictions are compared with tests results from reinforced concrete accelerated corrosion specimens. The aim of the analytical investigation was to reveal the mechanism for the development of concrete cracking due to corrosion of reinforcement. Further the finite element model will be used to explain qualitatively the experimentally determined relationship between amount of corrosion for concrete cracking and ratio of concrete cover to bar diameter, as well as that between reinforcement bond strength and amount of corrosion.