Numerical Validation of Concrete Corrosion Initiation Model Considering Crack Effect Model and Aging Effect

Conducted research is focused on the validation of numerical results of in-house finite element analysis of chloride ion concentration at reinforced concrete bridge deck with cracks and epoxy-coating reinforcement protection. The steel reinforcement corrosion is caused by penetration of chloride ions. The chloride ingress analysis is conducted with a special description of the effect of cracks in the directly exposed bridge deck. The diffusion coefficient of concrete in the crack is changed in order to simulate faster penetration of aggressive agents through cracks. The model focuses on the estimation of chloride ion concentration and corrosion initiation in particular locations of the embedded reinforcing steel bars or damaged areas of epoxy-coated bars. The paper deals with evaluation of the chloride concentration with respect to the time to corrosion initiation. The results obtained by in house model are compared with the analytical formula as well as with the commercial software ANSYS.