Finite Element Analysis of Expansive Behaviour due to Reinforcement Corrosion in RC Structure

This paper presents finite element analyses of the expansive behaviour of the concrete cover subjected to reinforcement corrosion in RC structure. The crack patterns and cracking process are discussed, while the critical amount of reinforcement corrosion needed for the cracking of concrete cover in terms of the expansive rate is investigated. Based on the FE results, a fitting formula relating the expansive rate with cover depth, rebar diameter, as well as elastic modulus and tensile strength of concrete is proposed. It is found that the results of the fitting formula agree well with that of other researcher's and can be used to predict the expansive behavior of the concrete cover due to reinforcement corrosion without losing much accuracy.