Abstract

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are widely used for sustainable concrete. However, this is challenged due to the deteriorated resistance towards carbonation-induced corrosion. This paper introduces the establishment of a novel carbonation-induced early corrosion propagation based service life assessment model (CECP-SAM). This model is characterized by considering the early corrosion propagation (incipient cracking) and the use of supplementary cementitious materials. Based on experimental and numerical methods, the effects of binders, water/binder (W/B) ratio, exposure condition, cover thickness, rebar diameter, semi-carbonation zone, cathode-anode ratio on service life are investigated by CECP-SAM. The model is justified by using the results from a field investigation in Hong Kong. Performance-based service life equations are also given based on CECP-SAM.