Analysis of crack propagation and crack initiation due to corrosion of reinforcement

Stress analysis in concrete due to corrosion of reinforcement was carried out, based on the concept of the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and the boundary element method (BEM). Initiation and propagation of five patterns of cracks which propagate from the reinforcement are in focus. Hydrostatic pressure distribution and vertical pressure to the surface crack were taken into consideration to simulate the expansion of corrosion products. From the theory of elasticity, under hydrostatic pressure it was concluded that other cracks than the surface crack could be nucleated either by following the surface crack or in the case of the surface crack being arrested by aggregate. During the propagation of either a surface crack or an internal crack, it was found in the BEM analysis that a spalling crack and/or a diagonal crack could be initiated. Under only vertical pressure, the stress distribution suggested a possible initiation of the internal crack only. In the case that the internal crack propagated after the surface crack was completed, a high tensile region suggested the initiation of a vertical crack. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.