How can corrosion damages be estimated based on surface observations?

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures are widely used, but their lifespan is often shortened by reinforcing bar corrosion. Since concrete and steel production is resource-intensive and contributes to carbon emissions, enhancing the durability of existing structures can reduce material demand and environmental impact. Visual inspections are largely based on surface observations. As corrosion progresses, the expansion of corrosion products increases the stress within the concrete, this stress leads to the formation of longitudinal cracks that run parallel to the bars. These cracks are a common and visible indicator of ongoing corrosion, signaling the need for further investigation. Several parameters affect the level of corrosion, including concrete cover thickness, bar diameter, concrete quality, and the ratio of concrete cover thickness to bar diameter. This project focuses on investigating the relationship between the width of longitudinal cracks and the underlying factors influencing bar corrosion. Specifically, it analyzes the correlation between crack width and parameters such as concrete cover thickness, bar diameter, and concrete quality. Establishing these relationships is crucial for improving the accuracy of corrosion assessments and enhancing the ability to predict the remaining service life of reinforced concrete structures.