Corrosion and Chloride Diffusivity of Reinforced Concrete Cracked under Sustained Flexure

Abstract

This research discusses the chloride diffusivity of concrete as well as corrosion performance of rebars in cracked and uncracked states. Prismatic concrete specimens with two water-tocement ratios, two concrete cover thicknesses with and without steel fibers were used. Threepoint flexural loading was applied to form cracks and cracks were sustained by a bolt system. Half-cell potential and corrosion rate measurements were carried out following wetting - drying cycles in chloride environment which were continued for 80 weeks. The positive effects of lower water-to-cement ratio and greater cover depth were found to be surpassed by existence of cracks in concrete.