Space-Averaged Non-Local Analysis of Electric Potential for Polarization Reactions of Reinforcing Bars in Electrolytes

Abstract

For assembly of reinforcing bars embedded in electrolyte like concrete, space-averaged non-local analysis for electric potential is proposed and the anodic and cathodic polarization reactions are formulated in association with the exchange of electric charge between steel reinforcing bars and the electrolyte as matrix. In order to verify the proposed scheme like smeared crack modeling of cracked concrete mechanics, transparent sodium poly-acrylate superabsorbent polymer with calcium hydrate solution was made so that we may identify the location of anodic and cathodic reactions of reinforcement at regular time intervals. The analytically predicted locations of corrosion were compared with the experiments, and its functionality of non-local formulation was verified and its applicability was experimentally examined.