3. Effect of corrosion on load-bearing capacity and flexural stiffness of reinforced concrete elements

Title: 3. Effect of corrosion on load-bearing capacity and flexural stiffness of reinforced concrete elements
Author(s): R. François, A. Castel, R. Zhang
Paper category : conference
Book title: NUCPERF 2009 - Long Term Performance of Cementitious Barriers and Reinforced Concrete in Nuclear Power Plants and Waste Management
Editor(s): V. L'Hostis, R. Gens, C. Gallé
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-072-1
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-087-5
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2009
Pages: 23 - 31
Total Pages: 9
Nb references: 22
Language: English

Abstract: This article deals with the long term performance of reinforced concrete elements aged in chloride environment. The analysis of the initiation phase of corrosion show that for a same concrete an increase of concrete cover is not sufficient to delay the onset of corrosion. The analysis of the serviceability of reinforced concrete members allows to highlight two different behaviours during the propagation phase: The first phase points out a decrease of the stiffness of reinforced concrete element due to the decrease of bond between rebars and this phase is followed by a stabilisation of stiffness when the bond is totally loss; then the corrosion process could continue without external sign or warnings.

The analysis of the load-bearing capacity after 14 and 23 years allows to understand the relationship between the ultimate load and the steel cross-section reduction due to corrosion.

Regarding the structural performance reduction, results have shown that the propagation period can be as long as the initiation phase in the service life. Therefore, the propagation period should be considered as a normal step in the service life.

Online publication: 2009-11-16
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00