The finite element model of chloride diffusion in pre-stressed corroded reinforcement bars of reinforced concrete structures

Introduction. The general corrosion model, made for reinforced concrete structures, must include the initiation of environmental influences such as carbonation, cracking and chloride ion penetration. It depends on the rate and degree of corrosion, corrosive effects in reduced areas, as well as the lower strength of bond between pre-stressed and unstressed reinforcement bars and concrete. The majority of earlier studies were focused on one-dimensional diffusion problems with an assumed constant corrosion rate. Materials and methods. In the aftermath of general corrosion, localized corrosion is accompanied by a release of hydrogen and alkaline water, chlorine ions. Crack propagation in reinforcement wires is calculated using the transient finite element software for chloride diffusion, which is time-dependent. Results. In most cases, the diffusion equation does not have a closed form solution, and therefore, the finite difference method can be used. The authors have shown that the corrosion rate decreases with time if current density has different water-cement ratios. If the water-cement ratio increases, the corrosion rate increases, as well. Conclusions. In a pre-stressed reinforced concrete beam, the corrosion of one bar affects the total corrosion of all bars and the reduction in the cross-sectional area of bars that does not exceed 15 %.