Numerical Modelling of Patched Concrete Subjected to Corrosion and Its Service Life Estimation

Reinforced concrete structures frequently endure corrosion in steel reinforcement, necessitating efficient patch repair solutions. Analyzing the intricate relationship between patch repair, corrosion, and structural behavior reveals a complex interplay. This study aims to develop an analytical computational model incorporating the interfacial behavior between old and new concrete, accounting for corrosion effects on steel reinforcement, to estimate the service life of reinforced patched concrete structures across diverse conditions. The corrosion arising from patch repairs is simulated using the COMSOL software. This model integrates corrosion modeling, patch repair simulations, and structural analyses to evaluate the corrosion rate, and its impact on structural behavior. Parameters like corrosion current density, total electrode loss and electrolyte potential are computed using COMSOL to assess corrosion rates and structural behavior, ultimately predicting the service life of reinforced concrete elements. This analytical computational model provides insights into corrosion mechanisms initiated by patch repairs, elucidating their effects on structural behavior and facilitating proactive maintenance planning. By analyzing corrosion-induced degradation, this study improves understanding of interactions among patch repairs, corrosion, and the concrete-steel interface. It informs better design and maintenance for reinforced concrete, reducing costs and promoting sustainability construction practices.