Static and Dynamic Load Carrying Capacity of Concrete Members Damaged by Internal Expansion-Induced Deterioration

Abstract

Structures in Japan are stressed by harsh environmental and mechanical actions resulting from the sea and mountainous areas. This is why it is particularly important to find ways to maintain the integrity of structures in this country. This involves advanced experiments and structural analysis. Assistant Professor Hiroki Tamai, Structural Analysis Laboratory, Kyushu University, Japan, leads a team working to quantify the effects of salt-induced rebar corrosion and alkali-silica reaction (ASR) degradation on the residual load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) members and structures. The goal is to use the acquired findings in the development of a method to accurately assess the condition of damaged structures and promptly respond with appropriate actions such as repair and reinforcement. The work involves extensive analytical research, including advanced experiment and numerical analysis, as well as quantitative evaluations and non-destructive inspection methods, some of which use Artificial Intelligence-based diagnosis systems. In their latest investigations, the researchers have been studying the quantitative understanding of the cracking behavior of concrete deteriorated by internal expansion using X-ray CT and other techniques, and the evaluation of the static and dynamic load-bearing capacity of RC beams with deteriorated damage. This will enable them to accurately identify damage to structural members and structures due to deterioration caused by internal expansion, to better understand their residual capacity, and to propose more appropriate repair and reinforcement methods.