Articles

Impact of Flexural Loading Induced Cracks on Chloride Penetration of UHPC

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Abstract

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been implemented in bridge construction for anti-corrosion purposes in costal and marine environment and regions utilizing de-icing salts in North America and Canada. However, the durability of cracked UHPC has not been systematically studied. In particular, the influence of cracks and crack patterns on the chloride penetration resistance of UHPC is not well understood. This paper reviewed the existing literature regarding the chloride penetration of uncracked and cracked UHPC. It shows that the chloride penetration through uncracked UHPC is one to two orders of magnitude lower than that of uncracked normal strength concrete. Limited studies reported that cracks significantly increase chloride penetration in UHPC. However, due to lack of quantitative studies, the influence of crack width, geometry, and patterns have not been fully understood, neither has an acceptable crack width been established for UHPC to ensure long-term durability for design and maintenance. Based on the current knowledge gaps, a comprehensive study is carried out to examine the influence of crack width on the chloride penetration through UHPC by a modified non-steady chloride migration test. This research is expected to establish the correlation between crack characteristics to the chloride penetration resistance of UHPC, and ultimately to corrosion resistance of UHPC structures, which will provide a guide to the design and maintenance of UHPC structures under coastal and marine environments.

Keywords: UHPC, chloride penetration, cracks, corrosion resistance

How to Cite:

Wang, P., Riding, K. & Zhang, Q., (2023) “Impact of Flexural Loading Induced Cracks on Chloride Penetration of UHPC”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 3(1): 72. doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.16685

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