Time-Fractional Model of Chloride Diffusion in Concrete: Analysis Using Meshless Method

Abstract

Chloride diffusion is the major factor that affects the life of concrete structures. The time-fractional order equation can be used to describe anomalous diffusion in reinforced concrete. In this work, a time-fractional model of chloride diffusion is solved via the meshless method. The Element-Free Galerkin (EFG) meshless method does not require meshing. One-dimensional and two-dimensional numerical examples are presented. Numerical results are in good agreement with theoretical solutions. The initiation time of corrosion is predicted in the presented model. Simulation results are compared with experimental data. The good agreement between EFG and experimental data indicates that time-fractional chloride diffusion in concrete can be modeled effectively by using the EFG method. This method is beneficial for further research on anomalous chloride diffusion in concrete.