Effect of Different Pre-exposure Loading on Chloride Penetration in Reinforced Concrete Specimens

Xiao Hui Wang (Lead / Corresponding author), Li Zheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, the effect of various pre-exposure loadings on chloride penetration in concrete beams, reinforced with both normal black and epoxy-coated bars, was experimentally investigated. In-service static and fatigue loads (around 30–35% of the designed loading capacity) were applied to the RC beams before they were exposed to a designed chloride wetting/drying cycles, simulating the seawater attacks at the tidal zone, for about 1 year. At the end of the simulated seawater exposure, the chloride profiles in the uncracked and cracked concrete cover were measured. Apparent chloride diffusion coefficients and surface chloride concentrations were then estimated on the basis of the measured chloride profiles. Results indicated that the differences in initial concrete compaction, load-induced micro-cracks and visible cracks are the main factors affecting the chloride penetration and diffusion coefficients. Fatigue load-induced cracks resulted in increase in chloride penetration in specimens compared with those in unloaded and static loaded specimens with similar initial compaction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1075-1094
Number of pages20
JournalInternational Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume17
Issue number7
Early online date25 Sept 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2019

Keywords

  • Chloride profile
  • Chloride wetting/drying exposure
  • Initial concrete compaction
  • Load-induced micro-cracks and visible cracks
  • Pre-exposure static and fatigue loads

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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