Shear and flexural strength prediction of corroded R.C. beams

Abstract

The purpose of the work was the study of the structural safety of R.C. beams subjected to corrosion processes though the derivation of moment-curvature diagrams and moment-to-shear interaction diagrams. Normal-strength reinforced concrete beams with longitudinal bars in the presence of transverse stirrups and subjected to corrosion processed are considered. Experimental results available in the literature related to corrosion processes, for steel bars, crack openings and bond degradation due to rust formation are reviewed. Then analytical laws relating to crack opening, bond degradation with attack penetration depth, through a rearranged form of Faraday's law, are presented. An analytical model for cross-section analysis and shear strength prediction including the main effect due to rust formation is developed and verified against experimental data. Finally, a case study is added giving moment-curvature diagrams and moment-to-shear interaction diagrams to show the effects of different scenarios of natural corrosion increasing with time on beam elements.