Abstract

The monitoring of reinforced concrete structures allows us to detect the presence of aggressive agents into of the concrete matrix, on site and in a real time. These aggressive agents can produce the unexpected failure of the structures, thus discovering their presence is a fundamental aspect in the preservation of people safety and the durability of the structure. On the other hand, helps to reduce the cost of maintenance and repair operations, due to allow us to identify the problems faster, minimizing the intervention to be done. The present research paper was focused in the hydronium detection; the reduction of this species generates hydrogen, the hydrogen produces the embrittlement and cracking of the steel, which seriously compromises the right behaviour of the structure. The problem of hydrogen appears in industries such as ammonia processing or petrochemistry industries and nuclear power plants. All of them are industries in which a failure seriously compromises the welfare of people and the environment. Therefore, the detection of hydrogen penetration in reinforcement concrete structures in these cases are very interesting. In this study, with the purpose to detect the hydronium or hydrogen in the hardened concrete matrices is proposed the use of voltammetric sensor, which is part of a multisensory system called Electronic-Tongue. This is a preliminary study. The objective of these initial steps was to evaluate the detection capability of the sensor. Currently, have been designing a sequential test in order to evaluate the sensor in different partial hydrogen pressures with the purpose to develop mathematical models to the hydronium or hydrogen detection and quantification in hardened concrete matrix.

Abstract

To evaluate the feasibility of the safe use of existing gas grids for the transport and storage of hydrogen gas, the phenomenon of hydrogen assisted degradation of steel used in the pipeline grid has to be examined. A finite element based framework developed for describing this phenomenon at the continuum scale is used to assist in the design and analysis of experimental characterisation of the tearing resistance. The framework is based on the complete Gurson model for ductile damage and takes into account damage acceleration due to the local hydrogen concentration, and the diffusion of hydrogen. Simulations representing single edge notched tension (SENT) fracture toughness tests of an API 5L X70 grade steel are performed and results are discussed in terms of crack growth resistance curves. Side grooves are included in the geometry of the SENT model to promote uniform crack growth. Different boundary conditions are employed, simulating ex-situ and in-situ hydrogen charging of specimens. Moreover, the effect of the applied deformation rate on the dynamics of hydrogen diffusion and the resulting toughness values is investigated. Accordingly, guidance regarding experimental SENT testing for the hydrogen assisted tearing resistance degradation is provided, in terms of test conditions (in-situ/ex-situ) and deformation rate.