Impact of ceramic coating on the durability and performance evaluation of concrete pier caps under various loading conditions

Abstract

Concrete pier caps are used for various bridge and submarine applications due to their unique features, including reduced stress on piers, efficient load distribution, enhanced durability, and improved stability. However, environmental factors can negatively impact concrete pier caps, leading to structural degradation and a reduced lifespan. This research investigates the application of tin (IV) oxide ceramic coatings to enhance the performance of concrete pier caps subjected to hydrodynamic pressure. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis is employed to study the effects of these coatings. The results focus on the flow of fluid and the presence of cracks within the structure, aiming to understand better how to control structural deterioration. All evaluations were conducted using MATLAB, where data processing was applied to analyze the simulation’s crack distribution patterns and stress distribution. The integration of CFD modelling with ceramic coatings represents a significant innovation for extending the lifespan of bridges, especially in harsh environmental conditions. The findings are compelling: by optimizing fluid dynamics around the pier cap, we achieve a 15% reduction in pressure drag, which significantly enhances overall flow efficiency. It found a reduced crack length of 0.7 mm at a stress of 20 MPa and improved thermal stability at 50 °C. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy reveals that the application of tin (IV) oxide coatings results in a remarkably smoother and superior surface morphology compared to standard cement concrete, underscoring the potential of this innovative approach.