Effect of chloride-induced reinforcing steel corrosion on the flexural strength of reinforced concrete beams

An experimental investigation into the influence of reinforcing steel corrosion on the flexural capacity of conventionally reinforced concrete beams was conducted. Two types of specimens were constructed and the embedded flexural reinforcing bars were subjected to accelerated corrosion. Nine different corrosion damage levels were produced. An electro-migration method was used to accelerate the migration of chloride into the concrete, and a wet–dry cycle with small current was applied to speed up the corrosion of reinforcing steel bars. Corrosion-induced crack width and its relationship with the corrosion level were analysed. Based on the experimental data obtained from tests, a practicable approach is proposed to predict the residual flexural strength of corroded beams.