Maximum Crack Width Control in Concrete Bridges Affected By Corrosion

As one of the serviceability limit states, the prediction and control of crack width in reinforced concrete bridges or PSC bridges are very important for the design of durable structures. However, the current bridge design specifications do not provide quantitative information for the prediction and control of crack width affected by the initiation and propagation of corrosion. Considering life span of concrete bridges, an improved control equation about the crack width affected by time-dependent general corrosion is proposed. The developed corrosion and crack width control models can be used for the design and the maintenance of prestressed and non-prestressed reinforcements by varying time, w/c, cover depth, and geometries of the sections. It can also help the rational criteria for the quantitative management and the prediction of remaining life of concrete structures.