Chloride diffusion study in different types of concrete using finite element method (FEM)

Corrosion in RCC structures is one of the most important factors that affects the structure‟s durability and subsequently causes reduction of serviceability. The most severe cause of this corrosion is chloride attack. Hence, to prevent this to happen proper understanding of the chloride penetration into concrete structures is necessary. In this study, first the mechanism of this chloride attack is understood and various parameters affecting the process are identified. Then an FEM modelling is carried out for the chloride diffusion process. The effects of fly ash and slag on the diffusion coefficient and chloride penetration depth in various mixes of concretes are also analyzed through integrating Virtual RCPT Lab and FEM.