Structural performance of corroded R.C. beams

The structural behaviour of six beams subjected to different corrosion rates, under flexural loads is analysed in the paper. Even if the corrosion consequences at local and global level are well known, the prediction of the structural behaviour of corroded elements, or their residual life is far from being assessed, due to the great number of parameters and uncertainties involved. The experimental survey was conducted with the aim of deepening the present knowledge and draw the largest amount of information on both the artificial corrosion process and structural consequences. At the aim, a comprehensive procedure for the analysis of the corrosion effect is followed, with accurate measurements and cataloguing of both the pits distribution and amount and the related crack pattern before the test, to find possible correlations between these properties. The influence of the corrosion degree and location on the failure mode and on the rotation capacity is further analysed and discussed, and the possible formation of unexpected mechanisms is underlined and justified. Finally, a simplified analytical model, already proposed by the authors is validated, showing its effectiveness and limits of applicability.