Investigating of both facilitating and hindering effects of macroscopic cracks on moisture transport in concrete
Source abstract
Abstract
Most existing studies on moisture transport in cracked concrete emphasize the facilitating role of cracks, often treating them as preferential pathways for fluid ingress. However, this approach overlooks a different mechanism: when macroscopic cracks are not directly connected to an external water source, they may not promote moisture transport and can even hinder transmission across the crack. This study investigates the dual role of macroscopic cracks, with emphasis on hindering effect when disconnected from a water source. A new simulation framework is proposed in which these cracks do not enhance flow along their length and initially block transport across the crack plane. Parametric analysis shows that for cracks approximately 1.00 mm wide, moisture crosses the crack only after the local saturation on one side reaches about 0.9, achieving over 90% agreement with experimental results, confirming that moisture migration across these cracks depends on saturation buildup. The simulation is conducted using the 3D RBSM Conduit model, which integrates mechanical simulation using Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM) with moisture transport module. This model reproduces the process from load-induced cracking to subsequent moisture ingress and provides a basis for analyzing moisture transport in concrete with complex crack patterns.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Concrete Properties and Behavior · Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Innovative concrete reinforcement materials
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (58)
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