Concrete Cover Cracking as a Function of Rebar Corrosion: Theoretical and Experimental Studies

Abstract Several models have been formulated by researchers to determine factors that affect cracking of concrete due to corrosion of the embedded reinforcing steel. In the past, emphasis has been given to the parameters that affect initiation of cracking and to the amount of oxides needed to cause cracking to the concrete cover. However, limited data and consideration is given on the relationship between the width of crack measured on the concrete surface and the amount of corrosion that has already occurred. In this study, some theoretical and experimental aspects are presented and discussed, which relate to the propagation of cracking of concrete cover as affected by steel corrosion.