Use of extended finite element method and statistical analysis for modelling the corrosion-induced cracking in reinforced concrete containing metakaolin

Abstract

This study presents an improved technique to predict the time for corrosion-induced cracking in concrete containing metakaolin (MK) based on combining extended finite element model (XFEM) and statistical analysis. The prediction model was developed based on the percentage of MK in the mixture, binder content, water-to-binder (W/B) ratio, and concrete cover thickness. The developed model was also validated experimentally using an accelerated corrosion test. Moreover, design charts were developed in this study using statistical analysis to facilitate and simplify the use of the prediction model. The results indicated that the corrosion pressure required to crack the concrete cover increased with higher percentages of MK, higher binder content, and (or) lower W/B ratio. The most significant factors affecting the time for corrosion-induced cracking was found to be the concrete cover, W/B ratio, MK replacement, and binder content, respectively, in order of significance. The results also indicated that the time required for corrosion-induced cracking obtained from the developed prediction model showed a good agreement with the experimental results of the accelerated corrosion samples. Also, the cracks predicted by the XFEM showed a similar trend of variation with that found in the accelerated corrosion samples.