Flexural behaviour of corroded reinforced concrete beams

This report presents the results of a laboratory investigation of the influence of the corrosion process on the flexural capacity such as strength, deflection and steel and concrete strains in reinforced concrete beams. Examination of the behaviour of crack development was also examined.Fourteen simply supported concrete beams were cast and subjected to two third point concentrated loads, increased monotonically until failure. The strength, strain and crack development data were recorded to assess the corrosion rate and its effect on the steel bars.An electrochemical system was used to achieve the different corrosion levels. The specimens were immersed in a 5 percent of sodium chloride by weight of water for a period of one to thirty weeks. An initial voltage of 1 volt was impressed through the beams to initiate and to accelerate the corrosion process. A steel plate was immersed in the solution to act as a cathode and force the steel reinforced concrete beam to act as an anode.The report discusses the defects and environmental factors influencing the corrosion process. (Abstract shortened by UMI.