Computational modeling for predicting corrosion initiation in reinforced concrete structures

Abstract This article presents a model for penetration of chloride by diffusion in reinforced concrete structures based on the solution of the Fick's 2nd Law, using the finite element method (FEM) in two-dimensional domain. This model predicts the time, in a given situation, so that a certain limit of chlorides for depassivation of reinforcement is reached, characterizing the end of service life. Several approaches for the chloride surface concentration and for the diffusion coefficient are used, parameter which must be corrected due to the effects of temperature, solar radiation, exposure time, and relative humidity. Moreover, a parametric analysis is carried out in order to study the factors involved and their impact on the ingress of chlorides by diffusion, contributing to a better understanding of the phenomenon. In addition, the developed model is applied to the cities of Vitória (ES) and Florianópolis (SC) to analyze the service life for different concrete covers, making a comparison with the Brazilian standard.