Influence of localised corrosion on the cyclic response of reinforced concrete columns

The evaluation of the corrosion effects on both the local and global behaviour of reinforced concrete elements is nowadays a topical problem, since many structures have reached their design life cycle. Reinforced concrete structures damaged by reinforcement corrosion can exhibit not only reduction of the bearing capacity but also an alteration of the collapse mechanism with a reduction of the structural ductility. In order to study the problem, some of the authors carried out experimental tests and numerical models. The presented paper provides in-depth information, since a new experimental survey is presented and discussed. In particular, full-scale experimental tests on four columns subjected to localised corrosion of the longitudinal reinforcement are performed under vertical force and horizontal cyclic loads. The results of the cyclic experimental tests show how the reinforcement corrosion (in terms of amount and morphology) can lead to a reduction of both the structural strength and ductility, and/or can change the failure modes.