Assessment of Gas Leakage Rates through Damaged Reinforced-Concrete Walls

Abstract

The increased permeability that develops in damaged concrete walls translates directly to increased leakage of gases through the wall. For reinforced concrete structures housing dangerous gases, it is important to evaluate the level of containment the structure is providing subsequent to development of damage; therefore, knowledge of the leakage rate through the wall is of upmost importance. Using results from an experimental program described in a companion paper, the leakage of air through damaged reinforced concrete wall specimens subjected to both uniaxial and biaxial loading conditions is assessed. Results suggest applicable leakage rate formulas and highlight limitations when using such formulas for future predictive analyses.