Development of numerical model for FEM computation of oxygen transport through porous media coupled with micro-cell corrosion model of steel in concrete structures

In this paper a numerical model has been developed for finite element computation of oxygen transport through porous media and its coupling with the micro-cell corrosion model of steel in concrete based on mass balance, energy transfer equilibrium and electrochemistry. The modeling task has been incorporated by the use of concrete durability model ‘DuCOM’ developed by our research group at University of Tokyo as a finite element computational platform on which the effect of oxygen on corrosion in relation to water/cement ratio, concrete cover, chloride concentration and various environmental humidity conditions is analyzed in both space and time domains. The developed comprehensive model involving a variety of materials and environmental variables will help in profound understanding of oxygen controlled corrosion reactions in reinforced concrete structures based on primary scientific laws and principles.