The effect of crack width on chloride threshold reaching time in reinforced concrete members

In this study, the effects of changes in the surface chloride concentration and crack width have been simultaneously investigated. To estimate the corrosion occurrence in cracked reinforced concrete members, various samples with different crack widths were modelled and the finite element method was used to model chloride ingress into the concrete. The results of modelling showed that the effect of crack on the corrosion initiation (time that chloride content reach to threshold values) is dependent on surface chloride concentration, chloride threshold, and distance from the crack. In cases of cracks with higher thickness and higher surface chloride concentration, the effect of concrete cover thickness is the most important factor on increases durability of the cracked RC members.