A Parametric Study on Determining the Corrosion Initiation and Propagation Times of Reinforced Concrete Structures Using Different Methods

Reinforced concrete structures deteriorate over time when exposed to environmental effects throughout their service life, resulting in a loss of structural performance and ultimately a reduction in service life. One of the most critical deterioration mechanisms in this process is the corrosion of the reinforcement steel. The initiation and propagation of corrosion adversely affect the load-bearing capacity, bond strength, and overall structural behavior of reinforced concrete elements, thereby threatening the structural safety. Therefore, understanding the corrosion process and accurately predicting the service life of reinforced concrete structures is critical to ensuring their long-term durability. This study comprehensively examines the effects of chloride-induced rebar corrosion on the service life of reinforced concrete structures. Various mathematical models used to predict corrosion initiation and propagation times are analyzed in detail. These models provide a scientific basis for understanding the effects of environmental conditions and structural properties on the corrosion process and estimating how these effects affect the service life. In particular, the study investigates the effect of parameters such as concrete cover thickness, rebar diameter, crack presence, corrosion rate, and environmental conditions on the corrosion process, all of which also affect structural performance. Cracks in reinforced concrete elements shorten the corrosion initiation period depending on their thickness. Considering that the presence of cracks also changes the structural behavior, it is recommended to use the Kwon model, which takes the presence of cracks into account, in the service life calculations. The presence of cracks is ineffective in the corrosion propagation period, and it is recommended to use the Morinaga model for this period. For reinforced concrete elements exposed to aggressive environments, increasing the thickness of the concrete cover and the diameter of the reinforcement has been shown to increase the service life. Columns with larger diameter reinforcement showed a longer service life than beams with smaller diameter reinforcement. Therefore, evaluating each element separately in service life calculations will ensure that a safer approach is taken. In conclusion, this study serves as a valuable resource for developing design strategies to improve the long-term durability of reinforced concrete structures and to minimize the adverse effects of corrosion on structural performance. It provides design and field engineers with guidance to make more accurate service life assessments and implement effective decisions to improve structural performance.

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