A pore size distribution-based chloride transport model in concrete

This paper presents a pore size distribution-based chloride transport model in saturated concrete, in which the diffusion coefficient is linked to the pore radius. By using a pore size distribution function identified in cement pastes, the chloride concentration at a macroscopic level can be calculated based on the chlorides obtained from the microscopic model. The present model is applied to both diffusion and migration of chlorides in cement and concrete materials. The model is also used to simulate the rapid chloride migration tests. Good agreement between predictions and test data is demonstrated. More importantly, the model explains some important phenomena that were observed in rapid chloride migration tests but are difficult to explain using existing models.