Evaluation of Crack Propagation in Cover Concrete of RC Viaducts Caused by Steel Corrosion

Abstract

Fractures in cover concrete on reinforced concrete (RC) viaducts is caused by the expansion of reinforced-bar due to corrosion. In order to understand the mechanisms behind these fractures cross-sections of a corroded rebar were evaluated using the equipment proposed in this paper. In addition, a series of experiments and non-linear finite element analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of rebar spacing and cover-concrete thickness on the shape of cover concrete fractures and extent of corrosion.