ABSTRACT
The paper aims to present an intelligible method for assessing the bonding capacity between reinforcement and concrete, including the environmental effects. The bond problem is subdivided into two items: (1) the bonding action is mainly coupled to the strains and yielding of the reinforcement bar, and (2) the splitting or spalling of the concrete cover is considered to be the major cause of a premature loss of structural integrity. Concerning the first item, an existent bond formulation has been chosen for demonstration purposes. The second item is described by an analytical model for the splitting capacity of a concrete cover expressed as an inner pressure exerted to a thick-walled concrete ring. This model is based on non-linear fracture mechanics and has been verified by splitting experiments performed on concrete cylinders. The splitting model has been modified to incorporate the conditions of corrosion. Since a proper correlation between the two items mentioned above is lacking at the time being, this paper aims mainly to present a strategy for assessing the bonding capacity and appropriate cover thickness, which can form a base for future research.
