Numerical simulation of the probability of corrosion initiation of RC elements made of reinforcing steel with improved corrosion performance

Abstract

Steel reinforcing bars in concrete are protected from corrosion by a thin oxide film that is created on the steel surface in the highly alkaline environment of the concrete. Corrosion process begins once this oxide film is destroyed, for example, by chloride ions penetrating from the element surface into the concrete and to the steel rebar. Critical chloride concentration is highly variable owing to numerous factors such as the type of reinforcing steel used. The TransChlor® software is used to simulate the time history of chloride ion ingress and corrosion initiation into a typical reinforced concrete structural element with four different types of reinforcing steel, namely, carbon steel, ferritic stainless steel (1.4003) with rolling skin, duplex stainless steel (1.4462) and ferritic stainless steel (1.4003) with pickled surface. A climate model is used to simulate two different exposure conditions of the structural element, namely direct and mist exposure, representatives for winter conditions in mountainous and lowland areas. A probabilistic method is applied to consider uncertainty of material properties in the model. The results show that reinforcing steel bars with enhanced corrosion performance significantly improve the durability of reinforced concrete.     

应用人工神经网络预测锈蚀钢筋与混凝土粘结性能

钢筋混凝土粘结强度受多种因素 (如混凝土强度、混凝土保护层厚度、钢筋直径、钢筋类型、钢筋锈蚀率等 )的共同作用 ,建立计算模型比较困难。在试验研究的基础上 ,利用人工神经网络技术 ,分别在考虑单一因素和多种因素的情况下建立BP网络模型预测锈蚀钢筋与混凝土之间的极限粘结力 ,从而不需建立具体的数学模型就可以得到较满意的预测结果。为受腐蚀钢筋混凝土结构力学性能的研究提供一种新方法和新思路 ,为工程实际应用提供简便的预测方法     

Seismic fragility estimates for corroding reinforced concrete bridges

Seismic fragility of reinforced concrete (RC) bridges is defined as the conditional probability that the seismic demand exceeds the corresponding capacity, specified for a certain performance level, for given seismic intensity measures. However, the structural properties of RC bridges change over time due to the onset of corrosion in the reinforcing steel. Therefore, seismic fragility of RC bridges changes during a bridge lifetime. This paper proposes a method to estimate the seismic fragility of corroding RC bridges. Structural capacities are defined using probabilistic models for deformation and shear capacities of RC columns. Probabilistic models are also used to estimate the corresponding demands for given seismic intensity measures. The capacity and demand models are then combined with probabilistic models for chloride-induced corrosion and time-dependent corrosion rate to model the dependency on time of the seismic fragility of RC bridges. In particular, the loss of reinforcing steel is modelled as a function of the thickness of the cover concrete for each reinforcing bar in the RC columns. The stiffness degradation in the cover concrete over time due to corrosion-induced cracking is also considered in the fragility estimates. Seismic fragility estimates are then formulated at the column, bent, and bridge levels. The fragility formulations properly incorporate the uncertainties in the capacity and demand models, and the inexactness (or model error) in modelling the material deterioration. The proposed method accounts for the variation of structural capacity and seismic demand over time due to the effects of corrosion in the reinforcing steel. As an application, seismic fragility estimates are developed for a corroding RC bridge with 11 two-column bents over a 100-year period.     

Performance parameters for the durability design of reinforced concrete structures with stainless steel reinforcement

Stainless steel reinforcing bars can be a suitable choice to guarantee the target service life of reinforced concrete structures exposed to aggressive chloride-bearing environments. Usually, the choice of the stainless steel grade is based on experts’ opinion or practical codes, whilst the adoption of performance-based approaches would allow to quantify the service life. To apply these models, when stainless steel reinforcement is used, the evaluation of the parameter which describes its performance when used in a chloride-bearing environment, i.e. the critical chloride threshold for the initiation of corrosion, is an indispensable requirement. This parameter cannot be easily determined since it is influenced by many factors and a standardised methodology for its evaluation has not been proposed yet. This paper describes the results obtained in an experimental research aimed at developing a test methodology which allows to evaluate the cumulative density function of the critical chloride threshold for the corrosion initiation. A test procedure based on mixed-in chloride and potentiostatic polarisation was proposed and applied to a duplex stainless steel reinforcement (1.4362). Corrective factors, which have to be applied in order to use these data for the design of structures in different exposure conditions, are discussed.     

钢筋存在对氯离子扩散阻滞影响的有限元分析

一般认为,氯离子主要通过扩散方式侵入钢筋混凝土结构从而导致其中钢筋发生腐蚀破坏.目前应用广泛的Fick第二定律并没有考虑混凝土结构由于钢筋存在改变了氯离子浓度在时间、空间上的分布,而将混凝土结构/构件当成无加筋的素混凝土对待.事实上,氯离子不能透过钢筋输移,使得距离混凝土表面最近的钢筋周围氯离子集聚速度加快,进而导致氯离子侵蚀混凝土中钢筋开始发生腐蚀的时间大大提前.所以以往没有考虑钢筋存在阻滞影响的Fick第二扩散定律的预测结果偏于危险,本文通过大量有限元计算,分析了钢筋存在对氯离子在混凝土中扩散阻滞影响的规律性.可将改进的Fick第二扩散定律解析解应用于混凝土中钢筋开始发生锈蚀时间的预测.     

Model for cover cracking of RC beams due to partial surface steel corrosion

Cracking of the cover concrete due to steel corrosion is considered by many researchers to indicate the end-of-service life of corrosion-affected reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Numerous models have been developed to predict the time from corrosion initiation to cracking of the cover concrete. In the previous models, concrete with corroding steel bars was assumed to behave like a thick-walled cylinder under uniform internal pressure. Recent research publications have however, shown that steel corrosion is often concentrated on the surface of the steel that faces the direction of ingress of corrosion agents. This paper presents a model that relates the level of partial surface steel corrosion with the transverse and vertical strains measured on the exterior faces of corrosion-affected RC beams. The model assumes that the remaining section of the steel after corrosion is elliptical shaped. Finally, the model is calibrated with experimental data in the literature and it is shown that assuming uniform steel corrosion underestimates the internal pressure applied by the expansive corrosion products.     

钢筋混凝土结构裂缝及钢筋锈蚀研究现状

总结了钢筋混凝土结构常见裂缝的类型及其产生的原因，阐述了裂缝区钢筋锈蚀研究的现状，指出了钢筋锈蚀和裂缝的扩展是一个交互作用、动态发展的过程，今后的研究中确定裂缝区钢筋锈蚀和裂缝扩展的相互作用规律，建立其扩展速率预计模型，对实际工程结构的可靠度计算、剩余寿命预测以及选择对其正确的维修加固处理方法都具有十分重要的意义。     

混凝土工程中钢筋腐蚀检测技术与评价

钢筋腐蚀是公认影响混凝土耐久性的最主要因素1。钢筋腐蚀检测和腐蚀状况判定可为钢筋混凝土结构的剩余载荷和结构耐久性提供基础数据。同时,混凝土中钢筋锈蚀的及时发现和准确诊断,是结构耐久性评定、剩余使用寿命预测的重要前提。本文简单介绍钢筋在结构中的腐蚀原理后,详细介绍了钢筋混凝土结构中钢筋锈蚀检测的几种检测方法,最后提出钢筋腐蚀检测方法的发展趋势。     

Prediction of corrosion-induced cover cracking in reinforced concrete structures

Usually, the time of repair/replacement of reinforced concrete structures due to corrosion is controlled by cracking of the concrete cover. Thus, it is important to be able to predict with sufficient accuracy the time from corrosion initiation to crack formation in the concrete cover. The paper presents a critical overview of existing empirical, analytical and numerical models for predicting the time to corrosion-induced cover cracking. A simple nonlinear finite element (FE) is then formulated and validated. The FE model is employed to investigate inaccuracies of analytical models arising due to simplified formulation of the nonlinear behaviour of concrete and inability to account for actual location of corroding reinforcing bars. Recommendations on the applicability of analytical models are provided. Finally, the FE model is used to estimate the amount of corrosion products penetrating into concrete pores and microcracks since this amount is an essential parameter for analytical and numerical models.     

基于锈胀开裂路径的混凝土构件耐久性能概率预测模型及应用

基于混凝土锈胀开裂过程的随机性,提出了一种预测钢筋锈蚀程度、锈胀裂缝开展状况及承载力退化程度时变特性的路径概率模型,并编制了计算程序,能有效评估和预测氯离子侵蚀、混凝土碳化及两者耦合作用环境下钢筋锈蚀状况、锈胀裂缝宽度开展及构件承载力退化程度在不同时段的概率分布,实现了混凝土构件从有害物质侵蚀、钢筋锈蚀、混凝土开裂、钢筋锈蚀加剧、混凝土裂缝宽度增大到构件承载力下降的性能劣化全过程的数值模拟。可预测的性能特征参数包括钢筋样本锈蚀百分比,锈蚀率,混凝土开裂面积百分比,裂缝宽度及构件承载力退化百分比。预测结果与现场检测获得的统计结果吻合良好,验证了该模型的可靠性和有效性。图18表5参18     

混凝土强度对混凝土中钢筋腐蚀的影响

混凝土保护钢筋不被腐蚀.人们普遍认为钢筋混凝土中钢筋的腐蚀随混凝土强度变化.为研究钢筋腐蚀率随混凝土强度的变化规律,通过浇筑20个钢筋混凝土试件,养护至4种不同龄期后将钢筋腐蚀相同的时间.电解液腐蚀方法用于诱导腐蚀以便加快腐蚀速度.钢筋的理论腐蚀量根据法拉第定律计算,实际腐蚀率根据钢筋腐蚀前后的重量损失计算.试验数据显示当混凝土强度为23～35MPa时,钢筋腐蚀率随混凝土强度增大有下降趋势,但混凝土强度为27～30MPa时,钢筋腐蚀率反而随混凝土强度增大而升高.     

工程施工中混凝土裂缝成因分析与对策

介绍了混凝土的裂缝分类，从混凝土材料、预埋管线位置、温度、支座负筋移位、钢筋锈蚀、冻胀等方面分析了裂缝的形成原因，并给出了预防裂缝的方法及裂缝的常见补救方法，以减少混凝土裂缝的产生。     

混凝土保护层锈胀开裂条件的弹性力学分析

混凝土中钢筋锈蚀是混凝土结构耐久性研究的重要内容,研究混凝土中的钢筋锈蚀,并建立混凝土保护层锈胀开裂时钢筋锈蚀量估计模型,是分析现有结构性能退化及耐久性评估的关键工作,对于准确预测结构的使用寿命与剩余寿命具有十分重要的意义.采用弹性力学分析方法,对混凝土保护层锈胀开裂全过程进行了建模,借助一些合理的假设,得到了混凝土保护层锈胀开裂条件的理论计算公式,该公式不仅可以应用普通混凝土结构,也可应用于其他类型混凝土结构.最后并对公式进行了验证,表明理论计算公式具有较好的实用性.     

混凝土结构中钢筋均匀锈蚀试验研究

本文通过外加电流阳极极化法试验来研究混凝土结构中钢筋锈蚀产生的顺筋裂缝问题 ,探讨钢筋的腐蚀率、混凝土质量、保护层厚度以及钢筋在混凝土中的位置等因素对于顺筋裂缝的产生和发展所起作用 ;随后在大量试验数据和已有工程调查的基础上总结出钢筋直径损失的分阶段预测公式。     

表面防水处理对氯离子侵蚀混凝土中钢筋锈蚀的影响

采用半电池电位法对四种不同条件下钢筋混凝土中的钢筋锈蚀情况进行了测定,分析了硅烷溶液防水剂、Cl-及水胶比对钢筋锈蚀的影响.试验结果表明:水胶比越大,钢筋开始锈蚀的时间越早,锈蚀的程度越严重;对于含有初始氯离子并且锈蚀已经发生的钢筋混凝土,表面防水处理不能够有效控制钢筋锈蚀;对于有外界Cl-侵蚀的钢筋混凝土,硅烷溶液防水剂能有效地降低由于Cl-引起的钢筋锈蚀的概率,并且延缓钢筋锈蚀的时间.     

On the accuracy of diffusion models for life-cycle assessment of concrete structures

In durability analysis and life-cycle assessment of concrete structures transport of chlorides and other aggressive agents is generally described by using Fick’s laws of diffusion. This model is frequently applied in a simplified one-dimensional (1D) form. However, in practical applications the diffusion process is more properly described by two- or three-dimensional patterns of concentration gradients. In this paper, the accuracy of the 1D modelling of diffusion and its impact on the life-cycle assessment of concrete structures under corrosion is evaluated in deterministic and probabilistic terms with respect to more accurate two-dimensional (2D) formulations. The influence of the diffusion modelling on the time-variant corrosion damage of concrete cross-sections is studied with reference to the local damage of the reinforcing steel bars and the global deterioration of bending moment–curvature capacity curves. The results show that 2D diffusion models may be necessary for a realistic life-cycle assessment of concrete structures under corrosion, since 1D models can lead to significant inaccuracies depending on the geometrical aspect ratio of the cross-section, location of reinforcing steel bars and exposure conditions.     

混凝土中低合金钢筋腐蚀产物的微结构分析

通过电迁移法加速了混凝土中钢筋的锈蚀进程,并利用背散射电子(BSE)图像和X射线能谱(EDS)对比研究了钢筋-混凝土界面区低合金钢筋和普通低碳钢筋腐蚀产物的微观形貌与分布规律.此外,分析了钢筋的表面状态(含氧化皮和无氧化皮)对其耐蚀性能的影响.结果表明:在加速腐蚀作用下,钢筋-混凝土界面区均由腐蚀层、局部点蚀区及腐蚀填充浆体组成;其中,含氧化皮的低碳钢筋腐蚀最严重,表现为生成更厚且分布更广的腐蚀层;而无氧化皮的低合金钢筋的腐蚀层较薄且结构更致密,并在点蚀区出现局部Cr元素富集现象,证实其具有最好的耐蚀性能.     

扫描微电极法研究钢筋局部腐蚀行为

应用扫描微电极法原位测量了模拟混凝土孔隙液中钢筋表面微区的电位分布,并结合动电位极化曲线的测量,研究了钢筋的局部腐蚀行为及模拟混凝土孔隙液pH值和Cl-浓度对它的影响.结果表明,在饱和Ca(OH)2溶液中,钢筋处于钝态,其表面微区电位分布为动态平衡;溶液的pH值降低和外加一定浓度的Cl-后,钢筋表面微区电位分布随之变化.当表面微区电位分布出现固定的突出电位峰时,钢筋发生了点腐蚀.在pH=12.00,外加Cl-浓度为0.05 mol/L或pH值降至10.16的Ca(OH)2溶液中,钢筋表面去钝化,发生腐蚀.     

Life-Cycle Performance of RC Bridges: Probabilistic Approach

This article addresses the problem of reliability assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) bridges during their service life. First, a probabilistic model for assessment of time-dependent reliability of RC bridges is presented, with particular emphasis placed on deterioration of bridges due to corrosion of reinforcing steel. The model takes into account uncertainties associated with materials properties, bridge dimensions, loads, and corrosion initiation and propagation. Time-dependent reliabilities are considered for ultimate and serviceability limit states. Examples illustrate the application of the model. Second, updating of predictive probabilistic models using site-specific data is considered. Bayesian statistical theory that provides a mathematical basis for such updating is outlined briefly, and its implementation for the updating of information about bridge properties using inspection data is described in more detail. An example illustrates the effect of this updating on bridge reliability.     

混凝土耐久性影响因素分析与对策

针对目前普遍存在的混凝土耐久性问题,较为全面地阐述了国内外影响混凝土结构耐久性的主导因素,着重论述了混凝土的碳化、钢筋锈蚀以及混凝土性能的劣化,并提出了相应的解决方案,以提高混凝土耐久性。