Corrosion-induced cracking: new experimental data and predictive model

The paper presents a model that will be used to predict the timing of excessive corrosion induced cover cracking for reinforced concrete (RC) structures in chloride or carbonated environments. An accelerated corrosion experimental program is described and a new empirical crack propagation model based on the accelerated corrosion testing is then developed. A correction factor for reinforcement confinement is proposed to account for bars located at edges and corners of RC structures. The effect of the high corrosion rate (high induced current) is accounted for and cracking times adjusted for the lower corrosion rates generally found in RC structures. A statistical analysis of model accuracy is used to account for variability between model prediction and experimental data. The crack propagation model presented herein is a useful tool for assessing the time-dependent performance of RC structures subject to chloride or carbonation induced corrosion