Analytical modelling strategies comparison to predict the structural behaviour of corroded reinforced concrete beams

The prediction of the structural behaviour of corroded reinforced concrete elements is a topical issue in the research field, far from being assessed, even if the corrosion consequences at local and global level are well known. The definition of analytical or numerical models is typically addressed with two different strategies. The first one assumes that the corrosion effects can be accounted for, in a simplified engineering approach, considering the nominal uncorroded area and modifying the constitutive law of the steel rebar, by means of decay laws of the mechanical properties, i.e. yielding strength, ultimate strength and ultimate strain. In the second strategy, corrosion is simulated by considering a reduction of the rebar area and a decay of the ultimate strain. The paper aims to compare the two modelling strategies, through a comparison with experimental results both developed by the authors and available in literature, to highlight their peculiar characteristics, with pros and cons.