Stress Analysis of Expansive Reactions in Concrete

The expansion of reinforced concrete, which may be caused by either physical or chemical attack, may compromise the life span and integrity of a structural member. Presented below is a 2-D stress analysis of the expansion (or contraction) experienced by an inclusion (aggregate, reinforced bar, or air void) embedded in the cement paste matrix. The stresses and strain fields are determined using the complex representation of Muskhelishvili. The model permits that the reaction products have different elastic moduli than the original inclusion and it allows for expansion (or contraction) along the interface. Stresses caused by corrosion of reinforced concrete and by ice formation in concrete are discussed.