Impact of Element Size on Rebar-Concrete Interface Microstructure Using X-ray Computed Tomography

This paper investigates the impact of element size on the microstructure of the steel-concrete interface in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Experiments were conducted on two types of test elements: a deep beam measuring 1440 × 640 × 160 mm and a wall element measuring 2240 × 1600 × 160 mm. The SCC m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Materials 2024-08, Vol.17 (15), p.3873
Main Authors: Kucharska, Milena, Dybeł, Piotr
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cement
Civil engineering
Computed tomography
Concrete
CT imaging
Design standards
Entrapment
Formwork
Microstructure
Quality standards
Rebar
Reinforced concrete
Reinforcing steels
Self-compacting concrete
Three dimensional analysis
Tomography
Vertical orientation
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Summary:This paper investigates the impact of element size on the microstructure of the steel-concrete interface in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Experiments were conducted on two types of test elements: a deep beam measuring 1440 × 640 × 160 mm and a wall element measuring 2240 × 1600 × 160 mm. The SCC mix was consistently pumped from the top, using a single casting point located near the formwork's edge. Horizontal steel ribbed rebars with a diameter of 16 mm were embedded in these elements. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was employed to provide three-dimensional insights into the microstructure of the rebar-to-concrete interface. An analysis of X-ray CT images from core samples revealed that the microstructure of this interface is influenced by the distance of the specimen from the mix casting point and its vertical position within the element. The combined effects of bleeding, air-pore entrapment, and plastic settlement within the SCI were observed under the top rebars. Their extent was independent of the type of element analyzed, suggesting that the deterioration of the SCI is related to the distance from the top surface of the element. These results elucidate phenomena occurring during the fresh state of concrete near reinforcing bars and their implications for bond properties. To date, some of the standards differentiate between bond conditions according to the depth of concrete beneath the rebar. In the view of the studies, this approach may be unduly rigorous. The findings offer valuable guidance for reinforced concrete execution and design.
ISSN:1996-1944
1996-1944
DOI:10.3390/ma17153873