Expansion stress analysis of ferroconcrete corrosion by digital reflection photoelasticity

This study used digital photoelastic birefringent coatings, to measure the expansion stress of a steel bar boundary with concrete caused by corrosion. The distribution of expansion stresses were measured in the initial cracking and partial cracking stages. A numerical model was used to estimate and compare the expansion stress generated by the steel bar during different corrosion and crack stages. The feasibility of applying digital image processing photoelasticity to long-term monitoring and measurement of steel bar corrosion and expansion stress was verified by the consistent results obtained.