• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.883-891
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• 2002

The chloride penetration in concrete structures is influenced by many factors such as types of cement and admixture proportion. Therefore, the effects of these factors on chloride diffusion must be correctly considered. The conventional diffusion analysis also neglected the existence of reinforcing bar in concrete structures. The purpose of the present paper is therefore to investigate the effect of reinforcing bar on the chloride diffusion in concrete structures. For this purpose, a comprehensive finite element analyses have been conducted to obtain chloride penetration profile. The results indicate that the chlorides are accumulated in front of a reinforcing bar and that the accumulation is much larger for the case of large diameter bars. The higher accumulation of chloride at bar location causes much faster corrosion of reinforcing steel. It can be concluded from the present study that the effects of reinforcing bars must be considered in chloride diffusion analysis for more realistic prediction of durable life of concrete structures.