Corrosion of reinforcement in reinforced concrete is a major problem in reinforced concrete structures as it affects the overall safety and serviceability of the structures. Fusion bonded epoxy coating (FBEC) on steel bars is an effective method used for combating…
Corrosion of reinforcement in reinforced concrete is a major problem in reinforced concrete structures as it affects the overall safety and serviceability of the structures. Fusion bonded epoxy coating (FBEC) on steel bars is an effective method used for combating corrosion in reinforced concrete. However, coating of bars reduces the bond strength between bars and concrete. The crack width and crack spacing are significantly increased with epoxy coating of bars. The degree of cracking depends on various parameters such as rib geometry, coating thickness and confinement provided to the bars. As fusion bonded epoxy coated bars (FBECB) are used widely in structures such as water tanks, nuclear power plant structures and bridges, prediction and controlling of cracking is important. The main objective of the present study is to theoretically predict the effect of epoxy coating of bars on the crack width and spacing of cracks in reinforced concrete structures. The only reliable data that can be obtained from the pullout test is the pullout force. The crack width and crack spacing depend on the transfer load and transfer length required at the interface. The crack width can be predicted theoretically by knowing the transfer load and transfer length at the interface instead of using the bond stress–slip law at the interface. Experimental data generated is analyzed and the influence of coating thickness and rib geometry on the cracking behavior of epoxy coated reinforced concrete is reported. When thick coating of epoxy is applied to the bars with diamond ribs, the crack width and spacing of cracks has been observed to be high when compared to plain or inclined rib patterns.