Abstract

ARAUJO, Carlos et al. Predicción del tiempo de iniciación de la corrosión en armaduras usando volúmenes finitos. Rev. Téc. Ing. Univ. Zulia [online]. 2011, vol.34, n.1, pp.014-021. ISSN 0254-0770.

Time estimation of rebar corrosion initiation by using control volume method applied to the transient no lineal Fick’s second law equation, when the diffusivity is a function of chloride concentration according to the Hall´s model, is the main objective of this paper. The direct physical interpretation of procedure is the most important reason that justify the use of Control Volume Method, in comparison with others numerical techniques. An optimization algorithm is used to adjust the parameters necessary in the Hall model from an experimental profile provide by the user. Experimental methodology includes the following measurements: electrochemical by using GECOR 6, the carbonatation depth into the concrete and chloride profiles in different sections. Electrochemical measurements, concrete quality and atmosphere conditions are considered in the final evaluation. There is agreement between numerical results and experimental data from cores located in General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge, in Maracaibo Lake, Zulia State, Venezuela, where investigations were developed previously. The numerical model developed allows to estimate with good precision, the evolution of chloride profile in the structure over time and provides a prediction of time for corrosion initiation in the reinforcement.

Keywords : concrete structure; corrosion; chloride profiles; control volume method.