Deterioration modelling of GFRP-reinforced cement-based concrete infrastructure in service under the natural inland atmospheric environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop an interdisciplinary methodology for modelling the deterioration of GFRP-reinforced concrete (G-RC) structures in service under natural atmosphere. The evolution of concrete carbonation was analyzed using a multiscale physico-chemo-mechanical coupling platform, which has been validated through numerous successful applications in practical concrete structures. The coupled heat transfer and mass transport in cement-based concrete, including temperature, relative humidity (RH) and pH distributions, were analyzed and simulated using the multiscale platform based on detailed information about the cement type, concrete mixture, and weather records. The resulting data were used to assess the degradation of GFRP reinforcements embedded in concrete through the gas-liquid state shift equation and the chemical etching model (CEM). The concrete carbonation and the degradation levels of GFRP reinforcements were validated by the field data after 15 years of service, demonstrating the effectiveness of the established deterioration model.