Influence of Crack Width on Chloride-Induced Corrosion: Experimental Program for Service-Life Assessment of RC Beams under Marine Exposure

Ahumada-Ponce M.E.; Vegunt R.; Gandía J.M., Sr.; Santa-Cruz S.; Serna P. · fib Symposium (2026)

Resumen

The corrosion of reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete (RC) structures is strongly influenced by the concrete cover. This protection depends not only on material quality but also on the presence of superficial defects or cracks. Cracking has been widely investigated; however, the specific influence of crack width (wk) on the reduction of service life in RC structures has not yet been clearly defined. This paper presents an experimental program designed to analyze the impact of wk on the durability of RC beams subjected to marine exposure. The program includes 36 full-scale RC beams (1800 × 150 × 200 mm3) produced with two concrete strengths (25 MPa and 35 MPa) and three cover depths (10, 20, and 30 mm). Controlled flexural cracks of three different widths were induced through three-point bending tests. The beams were subsequently exposed to a chloride solution under two conditions: splash and full immersion. A comprehensive monitoring system was implemented, incorporating embedded sensors to measure corrosion current density (icorr) and corrosion potential (Ecorr), along with periodic visual inspections as indicators of durability. The outcomes of this study provide preliminary insights into the influence of concrete strength, cover depth, and crack width on corrosion activity, forming a basis for subsequent service-life-oriented analyses. These results are expected to provide a foundation for performance-based durability design and maintenance strategies, thereby improving structural reliability and sustainability in aggressive marine environments. The first stage of the research focuses on the experimental procedure, the monitoring setup, and the preliminary results obtained during the early exposure period (100 days). A relationship has been identified between the presence of cracks and the corrosion rate. In addition, the influence of cover depth and concrete strength on the durability of the studied elements is highlighted. © Fédération Internationale du Béton (fib) – International Federation for Structural Concrete. All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú