A novel method for implementation of corrosion-induced cracks in the finite element models of reinforced concrete structures
Journal article, 2021

Currently, there is a clear need for reliable procedures for condition assessment and service-life evaluation of existing infrastructures. Advanced 3D Nonlinear Finite Element (3D NLFE) analysis has proven to be capable of describing the behavior of reinforced concrete provided that detailed and appropriate condition assessment data are available. The present study aims to review and compare different procedures for coupling 3D NLFE analysis with condition assessment data to model corrosion induced cracking, and, consequently to find a method with better accuracy, less computational cost, and improved robustness. This paper introduces a new method for adding cracked elements directly to the finite element model, called Re-FEM. The force-displacement response, ultimate crack pattern, and failure mode from this model are compared with four other methods for a pull out test case on specimens under an accelerated corrosion process. Using this method, the force displacement response for the corroded specimens was overestimated by about 70%. However, the trend was promising and the failure mode and crack pattern were correct. Moreover, the analysis continued after the peak point in the force-displacement curve, which makes it possible to monitor the behavior of the specimen in the softening regime.

Corrosion induced cracking

Reinforced concrete

Finite element analysis

Crack models

Corrosion models

Author

S. Fahimi

University of Tehran

M. R. Zakerzadeh

University of Tehran

M. Baghani

University of Tehran

Kamyab Zandi

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

Scientia Iranica

1026-3098 (ISSN) 23453605 (eISSN)

Vol. 28 3 A 1079-1095

Subject Categories

Aerospace Engineering

Applied Mechanics

Infrastructure Engineering

DOI

10.24200/sci.2020.52829.2903

More information

Latest update

7/28/2021