Hello, good day everyone!
I am Nel Mark Simborio, currently working on my thesis for my Master's Program in Structural Engineering. My research focuses on the effects of alternating wet and dry cycles on the structural integrity of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in Loboc, Bohol, Philippines-a flood-prone area where such cycles are prevalent. My methodology is informed by local news reports and personal observations from living in the region.
The objectives of my study are to:
- Measure the corrosion rates of steel reinforcements in RC structures subjected to accelerated wet-dry cycles.
- Examine the role of chloride diffusion in the deterioration of RC structures.
- Evaluate the influence of corrosion on crack development in concrete.
I am using the galvanostatic method to accelerate both the reinforcement corrosion and the aging process of concrete. However, I am seeking advice on how to expedite the drying phase in my alternating wet-dry cycle experiments. Specifically, I am exploring the possibility of calibrating natural drying times against oven drying times to achieve faster results.
If you have experience or suggestions on this, I would greatly appreciate your input. Is it feasible to calibrate natural and oven drying times effectively? Are there other methods or best practices for accelerating the drying process while maintaining realistic simulation conditions?
Thank you very much for your time and assistance!
Sincerely
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Nel Mark Simborio RCE, S.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Bohol
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