The effect analysis of reinforcement on the chloride concentration distributing in concrete

The reinforcement affecting the chloride concentration distributing in concrete is analyzed based numerical simulation method. The results show the reinforcement alters the pathway for chloride transporting and in turn causes the chloride concentration to accumulate faster in the region adjacent to the side of the reinforcement closest to the exposed surface. Ignoring the effect of reinforcement can lead to substantial over estimation in predicting the service life of RC structures. The smaller diameter and the bigger reinforcement spacing are beneficial to the corrosion initiation service life of RC structures. The analyzed results can provide theoretical guidance for the structural design based on durability.