Degradation Mechanisms and Residual Mechanical Properties of Reinforcing Steel Bars Exposed to Natural and Artificial Corrosion – Review & Analysis

Abstract

Reinforcement corrosion is the most problematic phenomenon and one of the main sources for the
degradation of structures and infrastructures all across the world, that leads to their premature
deterioration before design life has been attained. Therefore, the structural effects of rebar corrosion
are crucial in determining the structural performance and residual strength of impaired structures. In
the present work, the corrosion initiation mechanisms, corrosion products, corrosion types, corrosion
consequences on structural performance and detrimental factors related to corrosion were presented in
brief. Moreover, the propagation period and the main consequences on mechanical properties of steel
and concrete are analyzed. Analyses of the available statistical data collected from literature were
performed for 443 specimens. The findings are further interpreted from structural point of view, and
deterioration equations for the mechanical properties of the corroded reinforcements are developed.
The relations are well analyzed, leading to the definition of decay equation for yielding and ultimate
stresses, and ultimate strain. It was found that the mass loss of 1% due to the rebar corrosion can
cause the strength loss of 1.34%, 1.30%, and 3.54% respectively for yield strength, ultimate strength,
and elongation. The suggested formulas can be applied in analytical and numerical structural
applications.