STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IN REBARS IN CONCRETE

Abstract

A study of carbonate stress corrosion cracking in rebars has been carried out in the laboratory to investigate the cause of cracking/fracture that actually occurred in rebars in ASR-affected concrete. Cracking was reproduced in potassium carbonate-sodium bicarbonate solutions in concentrations realistic in ASR-affected concrete. The specimens were maintained at potentials that promote cracking. The occurrence of cracking in the simulated system shows a high possibility that the carbonate stress corrosion cracking is the cause of the failure in service.