Modeling of chloride diffusion in concrete considering wedge-shaped single crack and steady-state condition

Crack on concrete surface allows more rapid penetration of chlorides. Crack width and depth are dominant parameters for chloride behavior, however their effects on chloride penetration are difficult to quantify. In the present work, the previous anisotropic (1-D) model on chloride diffusion in concrete with single crack is improved considering crack shape and roughness. In the previous model, parallel-piped shape was adopted for crack shape in steady-state condition. The previous model with single crack is improved considering wedge shape of crack profile and roughness. For verifying the proposed model, concrete samples for nuclear power plant are prepared and various crack widths are induced 0.0 to 1.2 mm. The chloride diffusion coefficients in steady-state condition are evaluated and compared with simulation results. The proposed model which can handle crack shape and roughness factor is evaluated to decrease chloride diffusion and can provide more reasonable results due to reduced area of crack profile. The roughness effect on diffusion is evaluated to be 10-20% of reduction in chloride diffusion.