Prediction of Equivalent Chloride Ion Diffusion Coefficient in Cracked Concrete of the in-Service RC Element

Considering the influence of the visible load-induced transverse cracks on chloride ion diffusion in cracked concrete of the in-service reinforced concrete (RC) elements under marine environment, a typical concrete volume with one transverse crack was taken to establish the governing equation. Assuming the crack widths at the outer lateral and bottom surfaces were equal, a model to predict the equivalent chloride diffusion coefficient in cracked concrete was put forward to consider the influence of the average transverse crack width, crack spacing and crack extending lengths in beam height and width directions on chloride diffusion. Results show that the proposed model can better reflect the variation trend of the equivalent chloride diffusion coefficient with different crack widths in in-service RC elements under marine environment.

Automated summary

This study considers the influence of transverse cracks on chloride ion diffusion in cracked concrete of in-service reinforced concrete elements under marine environment and proposes a model to predict the equivalent chloride diffusion coefficient. The results show that the proposed model can better reflect the variation trend of the equivalent chloride diffusion coefficient with different crack widths.