ABSTRACT
Since structural capacity of RC members depends strongly on localized condition of reinforcements, it is important to model the spatial variability of steel corrosion. However, steel corrosion in RC members can only be observed after severely damaging the concrete specimen. In order to understand the growth process of steel corrosion and how the spatial variability of steel corrosion increases with time a continuous monitoring is necessary. Recently, X-ray technology has been applied to concrete. Otsuka & Date (2000) developed an inspection technique based on X-rays photography using contrast media which can directly inspect internal cracks. Using this technique, they investigated the behavior of fracture process zone in concrete. Beck et al. (2010) examined the steel surface within the mortar specimens by X-ray tomography.They reported that X-ray tomography was a suitable tool to visualize the propagation of localized corrosion attack on reinforcement in mortar with a cover of approximately 35 mm. However, the total weight loss of corrosion steel, determined by weight measurement was about 40-60% higher than that determined by X-ray tomography.Therefore, the estimation of the accuracy of steel weight loss using X-ray needs to be improved.
