Study of concrete resistivity to modeling of service life - Reinforcement corrosion due to chloride penetration

Abstract

Different studies of the concrete structures durability are based on models that simulate the mechanisms of chloride penetration in concrete. Although most of these models are based on a determination of a chloride diffusion coefficient, the concrete resistivity can also be regarded as an important factor affecting the corrosion mechanism. Unlike the diffusion coefficient, the concrete resistivity can be monitored over time using a non-destructive testing method, by means of a low cost and easy to perform technique. However, the use of resistivity as a parameter for modeling service life of concrete structure is still a very recent subject in the scientific community. In other hand, it should be noted the Andrade and D'Andréa (2010) model. However, it is observed that there are parameters on the mentioned model that has not yet been determined for the concrete used in Brazil. Thus, the purpose of this study is to adjust this model to the reality of the types of concrete used in Brazil, determining the variables related to the chloride binding factor (rCl) and the aging factor (q) for different samples. It will be molded different samples of concrete, which are later subjected to laboratory tests. Finally, in order to calibrate the model with the data obtained in this study, it is intended to perform numerical simulations of concrete structures service life, according to different aggressive environment scenarios, so that the results of this study may also serve as base to establish standards for the design of concrete from resistivity data.