Reinforced Concrete Members Subjected to Cyclic Tension and Corrosion

Deterioration process due to corrosion of steel in concrete affects the performance of reinforced concrete structures both in service and ultimate conditions. Corrosion reduces the rebar section, deteriorates the surrounding concrete with the oxides expansion product and it also alters bond between steel and concrete. Moreover, in structures subjected to cyclic loading, the damage due to corrosion can be combined with the mechanical action that is present in service. In this case the initial crack pattern due to load action and to the rheological phenomena is further modified by the expansion of the oxides and by the interaction among those causes. In the present work, the results of an experimental campaign on reinforced concrete elements subjected to simultaneous corrosion and cyclic loading are shown. It is put in evidence the loss of structural performance, by effect of chemical degradation and mechanical action. The key role of the combined effect of those causes of deterioration is also confirmed by static tests performed under the condition of static loading and simultaneous corrosion.