2017 Theses Master's

Inherently Flawed: Carbonation-Induced Cracking in Reinforced Concrete Structures

Virbitsky, Katrina Lee

Concrete was considered an everlasting, permanent material from its expanding use at the end of the 19th century until the early 1900s. In the 1910s and 20s scientific research on concrete failure began, a response to the inevitable cracks and deterioration that began to plague concrete structures. Today cracks are recognized as an inevitable symptom of the deterioration of concrete structures. Early-age cracking is often due to improper rebar cover and carbonation-induced corrosion. This thesis explores some aspects of the cracking of reinforced concrete structures caused by carbonation-induced corrosion, and historical approaches to conservation repair and treatment, from the use of early cementitious patching and crack stitching in the 1950s to modern conservation materials, such as injectable crack fillers, sealers, and penetrating silane water repellents. This thesis has attempted to clarify the understanding of conservation treatments for reinforced concrete structures.