Determination of the stress intensity factors due to corrosion cracking in ferroconcrete by digital image processing reflection photoelasticity

Nucleation of corrosion cracking can be detected and analyzed by digital image processing reflection photoelasticity by which the process mechanisms of crack extensions due to corrosion are quantitatively estimated. This study examines the distribution of expansion stress measured in initial cracking and partial cracking stages. Based on optical linear elastic fracture mechanics, the relation between the stress intensity factors and increment extensions are generated in different corrosion times. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by comparisons of the predictions, the experimental predictions, and the numerical results.