The Whole Process Analyses of the Concrete Cover Corrosion Cracking Based on Virtual Crack Model

Based on virtual crack model and the following hypothesis: (1)supposing that there are two symmetrical radial initial cracks at concrete and steel interface position, (2)considering that the corrosion crack starts to extend when the difference of crack tip stress intensity factors caused by rust expansion force and cohesive force reaches concrete fracture toughness, the concrete cover corrosion cracking process was simulated with the finite element method, the full curve of concrete cover rust expansion force and crack propagation process was calculated at the same time. The conclusions drawn can provide reference for the durability design of RC structures.