Degradation Mechanisms of Concrete Due to Water Flow in Cracks of Prestressed Railroad Sleepers under Cyclic Loading
Source abstract
Abstract
Visual inspection and field experience from concrete railroad sleepers (crossties) provide evidence that cyclic loading of train axles accelerates their degradation in areas of high precipitation. Because prestressing forces close flexural cracks after every load application, this repetitive motion generates water flow within cracks. In this study, multiple mechanisms are systematically investigated through laboratory experimentation to understand the deterioration of concrete in cracked prestressed beams exposed to moisture and under cyclic loading. Results identified abrasion as the leading degradation mechanism. High hydraulic pressures, cavitation, and leaching damage are also investigated but seem less likely to govern this problem.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Concrete Corrosion and Durability · Concrete Properties and Behavior · Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Graduate Research Assistant, Rail Transportation and Engineering Center, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 (corresponding author). ORCID: .
Principal Research Engineer, Rail Transportation and Engineering Center, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.
Senior Research Scientist and Senior Lecturer, Rail Transportation and Engineering Center, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801. ORCID:
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