Numerical simulation on moisture transport in cracked cement-based materials in view of self-healing of crack

Abstract

The moisture transport in cracked cement-based materials was investigated with priority by numerical simulation. The cracked cement-basis material was treated as two components system, including the cracks and cementitious mortar. The mass balance between the water in the cracks and in the cement mortar was considered. From the modeling results, it was seen that the water or vapor filled the crack immediately when the cracked cementitious mortar was put into contact with the water or vapor. The water/vapor penetrates into the mortar from the crack surfaces, as well as the external surface exposed in the outside condition. The existence of cracks increases the penetration of water/vapor into the cementitious mortar. As the basis for studying the self-healing in cracked concrete, the simulation on moisture transport provided important information about the water distribution and movement inside the cracked concrete.

Keywords

moisture transport / numerical simulation / crack / concrete

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