Residual Flexural strength of RC Beam Subjected to Corrosion

The large scale infrastructure uses reinforcement concrete. It has been believed that protection to steel reinforcement by concrete is permanent. The influence of atmospheric corrosion of steel and its performance in concrete has been subject to controversy in the construction industry. Service life of reinforced concrete structure can be significantly reduced when the corrosion of reinforcing steel is initiated; the product of corrosion expands and occupies greater volume than original volume of steel, eventually causes cracking of concrete. Corrosion of steel embedded in concrete structures become a major technological challenge because of its serious implications, including cracking and spalling of concrete cover, decrease in reinforcement cross section, and bonding loss between the concrete and reinforcement. Deterioration of reinforced concrete structure due to corrosion of reinforcing steel is concern worldwide affecting the durability and service life of structure. The aim of this study is to deepen the understanding of the structural effects of deterioration of steel with special attention to the flexural strength of beam.