Mechanical properties of corrosion-damaged reinforcement

Corrosion of embedded reinforcement is the most prevalent form of degradation of reinforced concrete structures, and may impair structural capacity through loss of bar section, loss of bond between reinforcement and concrete as a result of longitudinal cracking, or loss of concrete cross section. The effect of corrosion attack on mechanical properties of reinforcement is investigated through physical tests on bars with simulated and real corrosion damage and through a simple numerical model. Bars subjected to local or pitting attack may suffer a relatively modest loss of strength but a significant loss of ductility, and this is related principally to the variability of attack along the length of the bar. The numerical model supplements experimental work through a parametric study on the influence of steel characteristics. Finally, guidelines on assessment are suggested that are derived from results reported in the paper and from elsewhere in the published literature. Copyright © 2005, American Concrete Institute. All rights reserved.