Electrochemical deposition method for load-induced crack repair of reinforced concrete structures: A numerical study

Cracking has been a severe threat to the durability of reinforced concrete structures. Electrochemical deposition is a promising rehabilitating method for crack repair with the additional advantages of chloride removal and realkalization of embedded rebars. This work presents a comprehensive numerical study of three coupled sub-processes involved in the electrochemical deposition treatment: concrete cracking, multi-ionic transport and crack repair, which can reveal the underlying mechanisms from a fundamental point of view. A multi-phase cracking model was developed considering local mechanical property variances in concrete composites. Interconnections and chemical reactions among various ions in concrete composites were elaborated thoroughly. Unlike most existing studies, the overall improvement of impermeability and compactness of structural components was well reflected by considering porosity changes and corresponding time-dependent ionic diffusivities. A detailed parametric analysis on influencing factors revealed that the current density of 0.5 A/m(2) possesses the best repair effect with a complete closure in 15 days, but the chloride removal efficiency is not ideal. Increasing the ambient temperature can promote the crack repair rate, and the most obvious improvement is between 0 degrees C and 10 degrees C. The findings could provide the basis for optimal selection during electrochemical deposition treatment.

Automated summary

This study conducted a comprehensive numerical analysis of key processes in electrochemical deposition treatment, revealing their fundamental mechanisms. A multi-phase cracking model was developed, and the interactions among ions in concrete composites were elaborated. The results showed that a current density of 0.5 A/m(2) had the best repair effect, but the chloride removal efficiency was not ideal, while increasing ambient temperature could promote crack repair rate.