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Title: Numerical Simulation of Reinforced Concrete Deterioration—Part 1: Chloride Diffusion

Author(s): Eric J. Hansen and Victor E. Saouma

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 96

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 173-180

Keywords: chlorides; deterioration; finite elements

DOI: 10.14359/442

Date: 3/1/1999

Abstract:
The deterioration of the U.S. highway infrastructure is of major concern today. In particular, the deterioration of concrete bridge decks due to chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcing steel is progressing rapidly. If left unchecked, reinforcing steel corrosion can lead to both serviceability and life safety problems for concrete bridges. The ultimate cost of these problems is financial While much experimental and field work has been performed to study bridge deck deterioration and determine solutions, little work has been done to apply a rigorous and comprehensive mechanics-based investigation to the deterioration process. The deterioration process contains three basic components: chloride diffusion, electromechanical corrosion, and concrete fracture. This paper describes the first process, and it will be shown that commercial codes can indeed be used to provide a rigorous framework for chloride diffusion in terms of various parameters.