SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REINFORCING AND PROTECTING REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE EMPLOYING CARBON FIBER TEXTILE GRID AS BOTH REINFORCEMENT MEMBER AND ANODE

Abstract

Provided are a system and method for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure in which a reinforced concrete structure is divided and corrosion factors of the divided cross-sectional regions are monitored to automatically supply a protection current to each of the divided cross-sectional regions, thereby actively performing protection of the reinforced concrete structure, and also, by adjusting the level of a protection current according to the progression of corrosion in each divided cross-sectional region of the reinforced concrete structure, power consumption required for protection is optimized and protection is effectively performed, and also by disposing a carbon fiber textile grid in the surface of the reinforced concrete structure to be employed as both a reinforcement member and an anode of the reinforced concrete structure, microcracking which may occur in concrete curing is inhibited and thus permeation of moisture or a chloride into the surface thereof is prevented.

Claims

1. A system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode, comprising: a reinforced concrete structure divided into cross-sectional regions with a predetermined size, wherein a rebar is embedded in the reinforced concrete structure; a carbon fiber textile grid formed in a lattice shape and disposed adjacent to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure to reinforce the reinforced concrete structure, wherein the carbon fiber textile grid is formed of a conductive material to be used as an anode for protection of the embedded rebar; conductive wires connected to the carbon fiber textile grid and the embedded rebar to supply a protection current to the embedded rebar by external power; a corrosion factor-measuring sensor embedded in the reinforced concrete structure to measure corrosion factors of the embedded rebar; and a protection controller automatically monitors the corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor and automatically supplies external power to generate a protection current to a carbon fiber textile grid when the measured corrosion factor is equal to or greater than a threshold value, wherein the protection controller monitors each of corrosion factors in a divided cross-sectional region of the reinforced concrete structure and automatically supplies the protection current to each divided cross-sectional region to protect the reinforced concrete structure.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the carbon fiber textile grid is disposed adjacent to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure to inhibit microcracking occurring during concrete curing and used as a reinforcement member to prevent permeation of moisture or a chloride, wherein the carbon fiber textile grid serves as an anode and the embedded bar serves as a cathode.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the carbon fiber textile grid is coated with a material with excellent conductivity comprising styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or nickel, to uniformly apply an electric current.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional regions of the reinforced concrete structure are divided into at least two regions in a horizontal or vertical direction according to a corrosive environment, and the at least two regions are insulated and independently protected.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the protection controller comprises: a corrosion-monitoring part regularly monitors the corrosion factors measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor; a protection current-setting part sets a suitable protection current by comparing the corresponding threshold value with the corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor; and a protection current-supplying part supplies the protection current set by the protection current-setting part to the embedded rebar through the conductive wires.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the corrosion-monitoring part employs an electrochemical method or a physical method selectively as necessary, or a complementary combination thereof in order to monitor the corrosion of the embedded rebar, wherein the electrochemical method comprises the potentiometric method or linear polarization resistance and the physical method comprises optical sensor.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the external power required for generation of the protection current is supplied from a solar cell or wind power generator installed nearby the reinforced concrete structure.

8. A method for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode, the method comprising: a) dividing a reinforced concrete structure to be reinforced and protected into suitable sizes; b) disposing a carbon fiber textile grid in each of the divided cross-sections of the reinforced concrete structure to be adjacent to rebar embedded in the reinforced concrete structure; c) connecting conductive wires for supplying a protection current to the carbon fiber textile grid and the embedded rebar, respectively; d) installing a corrosion factor-measuring sensor for measuring a corrosion factor in each of the divided cross-sections of the reinforced concrete structure; e) installing a protection controller comprising a corrosion-monitoring part, a protection current-setting part and a protection current-supplying part; f) regularly monitoring the measured corrosion factor by the corrosion-monitoring part of the protection controller; and g) setting a suitable protection current using the protection current-setting part of the protection controller by comparing the correction factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor with the corresponding threshold value, and supplying a protection current by the protection current-supplying part of the protection controller through the conductive wires, wherein the protection controller monitors each of corrosion factors in a divided cross-sectional region of the reinforced concrete structure and automatically supplies the protection current to each divided cross-sectional region to protect the reinforced concrete structure.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the carbon fiber textile grid is disposed adjacent to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure to inhibit microcracking occurring during concrete curing and used as a reinforcement member to prevent permeation of moisture or a chloride, wherein the carbon fiber textile grid serves as an anode and the embedded bar serves as a cathode.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the carbon fiber textile grid is coated with a material with excellent conductivity comprising styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or nickel, to uniformly apply an electric current.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the cross-sectional regions of the reinforced concrete structure are divided into at least two regions in a horizontal or vertical direction according to a corrosive environment, and the at least two regions are insulated and independently protected.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the protection controller comprises: a corrosion-monitoring part regularly monitoring the corrosion factors measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor; a protection current-setting part sets a suitable protection current by comparing the corresponding threshold value with the corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor; and a protection current-supplying part supplies the protection current set by the protection current-setting part to the embedded rebar through the conductive wires.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the corrosion-monitoring part employs an electrochemical method or a physical method selectively as necessary, or a complementary combination thereof in order to monitor the corrosion of the embedded rebar, wherein the electrochemical method comprises the potentiometric method or linear polarization resistance and the physical method comprises optical sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The above and other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a planar grid as a common textile grid.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a concrete panel reinforced by a common textile grid.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram specifically illustrating a system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a corresponding reinforced concrete structure used in the method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the division of reinforcement and protection regions in consideration of corrosive environments required by the method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating installation of a protection controller at each section of the corresponding reinforced concrete structure used in the method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating monitoring of the progression of corrosion in each section in the method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the determination of the necessity of protection and selective control of protection depending on the degree of corrosion in in the method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, for clear explanation of the present disclosure in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and like numerals denote like parts throughout the specification.

[0056] Throughout the specification, when one part includes a component, it means that it may also include other components, not excluding components unless particularly stated otherwise. In addition, the term part used herein refers to a unit of processing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0057] [System for Reinforcing and Protecting Reinforced Concrete Structure Employing Carbon Fiber Textile Grid as Reinforcement Member and Anode]

[0058] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is a diagram specifically illustrating a system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a reinforced concrete structure 100, a carbon fiber textile grid 200, conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current, a corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300 and a protection controller 400, wherein the protection controller 400 includes a corrosion-monitoring part 410, a protection current-setting part 420 and a protection current-supplying part 430.

[0060] The reinforced concrete structure 100 includes embedded rebar 110, and is divided into cross-sectional regions 100a, 100b and 100c with a predetermined size as shown in FIG. 4. Here, the embedded rebar 110 is embedded in the reinforced concrete structure 100 in horizontal and vertical directions, and subject to corrosion.

[0061] The carbon fiber textile grid 200 serves as both a reinforcement member and an anode. Specifically, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is formed in a lattice shape, disposed adjacent to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure 100 to reinforce the reinforced concrete structure 100, and is formed of a conductive material to be used as an anode (+) for protection of the embedded rebar 110. Here, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 has a higher electrical resistance than a metal, and thus is preferably coated with a material having excellent conductivity such as SBR or nickel to uniformly apply a current. For example, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 may be a generally produced roving cloth, or specially manufactured by adjusting the thickness of carbon fiber or lattice intervals for the purpose of its use, and the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is disposed in a lattice shape to reinforce the required cross-section of the reinforced concrete structure 100, and thus serves as a conductor. Here, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is connected to the embedded rebar 110 to apply a protection current through a first conductive wire 210 for supplying a protection current to the embedded rebar 110, thereby preventing corrosion of the embedded rebar 110. Accordingly, since the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is disposed close to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure 100, microcracking which may occur in concrete curing may be inhibited to prevent permeation of moisture or a chloride into its surface, resulting in a great improvement in durability and life span of the reinforced concrete structure 100.

[0062] The conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current are connected to the carbon fiber textile grid 200 and the embedded rebar 110, respectively, to supply a protection current to the embedded rebar 110 by external power. For example, the first conductive wire 210 for supplying a protection current is connected to the carbon fiber textile grid 200, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is connected directly or via a connecting wire to the embedded rebar 110, and then cement concrete or mortar is poured, thereby preventing corrosion of the embedded rebar 110.

[0063] The corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300 is embedded in the reinforced concrete structure 100 to measure a corrosion factor of the embedded rebar 110.

[0064] The protection controller 400 consists of a corrosion-monitoring part 410, a protection current-setting part 420 and a protection current-supplying part 430, and automatically monitors the corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300 and, when the measured corrosion factor is the threshold value or more, automatically supplies external power to the carbon fiber textile grid 200, which is an anode, and the embedded rebar 110, which is a cathode, thereby generating a protection current. Accordingly, the protection controller 400 monitors a corrosion factor in each of the cross-sectional regions 100a, 100b and 100c of the divided reinforced concrete structure and automatically supplies a protection current to each of the divided cross-sectional regions, thereby actively performing protection of the reinforced concrete structure 100.

[0065] Specifically, the corrosion-monitoring part 410 of the protection controller 400 regularly monitors a corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300. Here, the corrosion-monitoring part 410 may selectively employ an electrochemical technique (potentiometric method or linear polarization resistance) or a physical technique (optical sensor) as necessary, or a complementary combination thereof in order to monitor the progression of corrosion.

[0066] The protection current-setting part 420 of the protection controller 400 sets a suitable protection current by comparing the corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300 with the corresponding threshold value. For example, the protection current-setting part 420 automatically calculates a suitable protection current required for protection by comparing a corrosion factor (monitoring of corrosion potential/current, rebar resistivity, and optical fiber-based rebar deformation) detected by the corrosion-monitoring part 410 with the corresponding threshold value.

[0067] The protection current-supplying part 430 of the protection controller 400 supplies the protection current set by the protection current-setting part 420 to the embedded rebar 110 via the conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current. In other words, the protection current-supplying part 430 supplies a protection current via the conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current connected to the carbon fiber textile grid 200, which is an anode, and the embedded rebar 100, respectively.

[0068] Here, power required for generation of a protection current is preferably supplied from a solar cell or wind power generator, which is installed nearby the reinforced concrete structure 100. At this time, when a protection current is supplied, the corrosion of the embedded rebar 110 is stopped.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in construction or reinforcement of the cross-section of the reinforced concrete structure 100, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is disposed adjacent to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure 100 for the carbon fiber textile grid 200 to inhibit microcracking, resulting in an improvement in durability and life span of the reinforced concrete structure 100.

[0070] In addition, the conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current by which external power may be supplied are connected to the carbon fiber textile grid 200 and the embedded rebar 110, respectively, and in public use, corrosion factors (corrosion current, etc.) of the embedded rebar may be automatically monitored by the embedded corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300, and when the measured corrosion factor is the threshold value or more, external power may be automatically supplied to the carbon fiber textile grid 200 as an anode and the embedded rebar 110 as a cathode, thereby generating a protection current, resulting in prevention of corrosion of the embedded rebar 110, and reinforcement of the reinforced concrete structure 100.

[0071] Particularly, continuous corrosion monitoring of corrosion factors is performed, and external power is automatically supplied according to the degree of corrosion progression to perform cathodic protection. Here, power required for the corrosion monitoring and the cathodic protection may be self-supplied by using constant energy sources on the periphery, for example, a wind power generator and a solar cell module, and the cross-sections of the reinforced concrete structure 100 in which the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is additionally disposed is divided into at least two or more sections in a horizontal or vertical direction according to a corrosive environment and insulated, and thus can be independently protected.

[0072] In the case of the system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection of the reinforced concrete structure 100 may be actively performed by dividing the reinforced concrete structure, and automatically supplying a protection current to each of the divided cross-sectional regions by monitoring corrosion factors in the divided cross-sectional regions. In addition, as the level of protection current may be adjusted according to the progression of corrosion in each of the divided cross-sectional regions 100a, 100b and 100c of the reinforced concrete structure 100, power consumption required for protection may be optimized and the protection may be effectively performed.

[0073] Consequently, according to the system for reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is disposed adjacent to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure 100 to inhibit microcracking, a second conductive wire 220 for supplying a protection current which can supply external power is connected to each of the carbon fiber textile grid 200 and the embedded rebar 110, and in public use, corrosion factors of the rebar 110 are automatically monitored by the embedded corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300, and when the measured corrosion factor is the threshold value or more, external power is supplied to the carbon fiber textile grid 200 and the embedded rebar 110 to generate a protection current, thereby preventing the corrosion of the embedded rebar 110 and reinforcing the reinforced concrete structure.

[0074] [Method of Reinforcing and Protecting Reinforced Concrete Structure Employing a Carbon Fiber Textile Grid as Both a Reinforcement Member and an Anode]

[0075] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, in the method of reinforcing and protecting a reinforced concrete structure employing a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, first, a reinforced concrete structure 100 to be reinforced and protected is divided into a suitable size (S110). Specifically, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a corresponding reinforced concrete structure, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the division of reinforcement and protection regions in consideration of corrosive environments. As shown in FIG. 6, the reinforced concrete structure 100 may be exposed to a corrosive environment, and as shown in FIG. 7, the reinforced concrete structure 100 is divided into a suitable size depending on the purpose of reinforcement and protection. At this time, a carbon fiber textile grid 200 is disposed close to an embedded rebar 110 on the divided cross-section, and then conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current are connected to the carbon fiber textile grid 200 and the embedded rebar 110, respectively.

[0077] Subsequently, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is disposed in each of the divided cross-sections 100a, 100b and 100c of the reinforced concrete structure 100 to be adjacent to the embedded rebar 110 in the reinforced concrete structure 100 (S120). Here, the carbon fiber textile grid 200 is disposed adjacent to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure 100 to inhibit microcracking which occurs in concrete curing, and as a reinforcement member preventing permeation of moisture or a chloride, serves as an anode (+), and the embedded rebar 110 serves as a cathode ().

[0078] Subsequently, the conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current are connected to the carbon fiber textile grid 200 and the embedded rebar 110, respectively (S130).

[0079] Subsequently, a corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300 which measures corrosion factors is installed in each of the divided cross-sections 100a, 100b and 100c of the reinforced concrete structure (S140), and then a protection controller 400 consisting of a corrosion-monitoring part 410, a protection current-setting part 420 and a protection current-supplying part 430 is installed (S150). Specifically, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the installation of a protection controller at each section of the corresponding reinforced concrete structure, and as shown in FIG. 8, a corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300 that measures corrosion factors and a protection controller 400 are installed at the divided cross-sections of the reinforced concrete structure.

[0080] Subsequently, the corrosion-monitoring part 410 of the protection controller 400 monitors the measured corrosion factor (S160). Specifically, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating monitoring of the progression of corrosion in each section, and as shown in FIG. 9, the corrosion-monitoring part 410 of the protection controller 400 regularly monitors a corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300.

[0081] Afterward, the protection current-setting part 420 of the protection controller 400 sets a suitable protection current by comparing the corrosion factor measured by the corrosion factor-measuring sensor 300 with the corresponding threshold value, and the protection current-supplying part 430 of the protection controller 400 supplies a protection current via the conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current (S170). Specifically, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the determination of the necessity of protection and selective control of protection depending on the degree of corrosion, and the protection current-setting part 420 of the protection controller 400 sets a suitable protection current by comparing a corrosion factor with the corresponding threshold value, and the protection current-supplying part 430 supplies a protection current via the conductive wires 210 and 220 for supplying a protection current.

[0082] Consequently, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the reinforced concrete structure is divided, corrosion factors in the divided cross-sectional regions are monitored to automatically supply a protection current to each of the divided cross-sectional regions, thereby actively performing protection of the reinforced concrete structure.

[0083] In addition, as the level of the protection current is adjusted according to the progression of corrosion in each of the divided cross-sectional regions of the reinforced concrete structure, power consumption required for protection may be optimized and the protection may be effectively performed.

[0084] Moreover, in order to employ a carbon fiber textile grid as both a reinforcement member and an anode of the reinforced concrete structure, the carbon fiber textile grid is disposed close to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure to inhibit microcracking which may occur in concrete curing, thereby preventing permeation of moisture or a chloride into the surface thereof, resulting in a great improvement in durability and life span of the reinforced concrete structure.

[0085] According to the present disclosure, protection of a reinforced concrete structure can be actively performed by dividing the reinforced concrete structure and monitoring corrosion factors of the divided cross-sectional regions to automatically supply a protection current to each of the divided cross-sectional regions.

[0086] According to the present disclosure, a protection current can be adjusted to a suitable level according to the progression of corrosion for each divided cross-sectional region of the reinforced concrete structure, thereby optimizing power consumption required for protection, and effectively performing protection.

[0087] According to the present disclosure, as a carbon fiber textile grid is disposed close to the surface of the reinforced concrete structure to be used as both a reinforcement member and an anode of the reinforced concrete structure, microcracking which may occur in concrete curing, can be inhibited to prevent permeation of moisture or a chloride into the surface thereof, resulting in a great improvement in durability and life span of the reinforced concrete structure.

[0088] The above description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative, not limitive, in all aspects. For example, each component described as a single unit may be distributed and implemented, and components described as being distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

[0089] The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it should be construed that the meaning and scope of the claims and all alterations or modifications coming from the equivalents thereof are included in the scope of the present disclosure.