Analytical Model for Corrosion-Induced Concrete Cracking
Abstract
Steel reinforcement corrosion is a major cause of reduced service life in reinforced concrete structures, making the accurate prediction of corrosion-induced concrete cover cracking essential. This study presents an analytical model for predicting the cracking time of concrete cover due to reinforcement corrosion. The model was developed based on the biaxial stress state induced by expansive corrosion products. Because the cracking criterion is defined in terms of biaxial stress, the model incorporates both the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete. The resulting biaxial stress state was used to determine the critical corrosion pressure at the onset of cracking. The model also accounts for the portion of corrosion products that accumulates in the porous zone and within radial cracks. The model predictions were validated against experimental data and compared with those of existing models reported in the literature, demonstrating improved accuracy and reliability. A parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of various parameters, including concrete compressive strength, tensile strength, cover depth, reinforcement diameter, and corrosion current density. The results showed that concrete compressive strength, tensile strength, cover depth, and corrosion current density significantly affect the predicted cracking time.