A nearly self-sufficient framework for modelling reactive-transport processes in concrete

This paper describes a multi-species and multi-mechanism reactive-transport modelling framework for concrete. This modelling framework has the potential to be used in conjunction with performance specifications currently being developed in the US. The modelling framework is nearly' self-sufficient as it enables electrical resistivity to be used as the main physically measured input parameter in the simulations. The model uses thermodynamic calculations to predict pore solution composition, pore solution resistivity, pore volumes, and reactions between the solid and ionic components of the cementitious matrix such as chloride binding. The measured electrical resistivity is normalized by the calculated pore solution resistivity to compute the formation factor, which is used to predict transport properties of the ionic species. The framework allows the solution of reactive-transport equations with minimal input data to assess ionic movement, chloride ingress, and time to corrosion.