In the prediction of corrosion-induced cracking of reinforced concrete, the mechanical behavior of the oxide has been proved to be crucial. However, there is a lack of experimental infor- mation, and the values of the oxide parameters have to be…
In the prediction of corrosion-induced cracking of reinforced concrete, the mechanical behavior of the oxide has been proved to be crucial. However, there is a lack of experimental infor- mation, and the values of the oxide parameters have to be assumed in the models. In this work, a methodology is presented for indirect determination of the mechanical parameters of the oxide layer. It combines the results from accelerated corrosion tests, carried out in concrete prisms reinforced with a tube equipped with special instruments, and numerical simulations using a model that reproduces the cohesive fracture of concrete and the expansive behavior of the oxide. From the joint analysis of the experimental and numerical results, relevant conclusions about the oxide behavior have been disclosed, and values for the oxide parameters are proposed. With those, the experimental results reported by other authors have been simulated, with satisfactory results, which supports the model.