Rebar Shape Time-Evolution During a Reinforced Concrete Corrosion Test: An Electrochemical Model

Abstract

An electrochemical model is presented to calculate the rebar shape time-evolution in reinforced mortar specimens during forced corrosion tests. This provides a more realistic description than the usually used geometric models. The current distribution along the rebar perimeter is calculated by using Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve Laplace equation. Then, Faraday’s law is used to relate current distribution to rebar volume increase due to corrosion products creation. The shape of the rebar section is obtained as a function of corrosion time.

Keywords

• electrochemical model
• finite elements
• corrosion test
• rebar corrosion