Interface Fracture of Concrete Externally-Reinforced with Composite Materials

University Of Akron, Akron OH

Investigators

Abstract

0002829 The goal of this project is to improve the performance of cathodic protection systems for reinforcing steel in concrete structures. Existing data and our current understanding of the following processes will be incorporated within a comprehensive three-dimensional model; (i) the electrochemical kinetics of iron oxidation, oxygen reduction, and water reduction at the concrete rebar interface; (ii) the electrochemical kinetics of zinc anode oxidation, and subsequent reactions of Zn (II) at the concrete-zinc interface; (iii) the transport of oxygen and water through concrete; and (iv) the transport of ions, particularly chloride, through concrete. The model will be applied to investigate strategies for (i) controlling cathodic protection systems to protect the structure, while minimizing consumption of power, consumption of the anode, and generation of H2(gas); (ii) circumventing buildup of electrical resistance at the anode-concrete interface; (iii) facilitating electromechanical migration of chloride away from the rebar; (iv) protection of rebar in all three dimensions.