Residual flexural capacity of corroded reinforced concrete beams

Abstract

Reduction in flexural capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams is observed due to the corrosion of reinforcement. Reduction in cross sectional area and continuity of the surface are the consequences of steel corrosion which results in the reduction of the tensile strength of steel and decrease the bond between steel and concrete. In this paper the effects of corrosion on flexural capacity of RC beam are investigated. Results revealed that reinforcement corrosion not only reduced the flexural capacity but also increased the deflections in RC beams. Bond failure at the level of reinforcement was also observed in the beams with reinforcement corrosion.