Experimental investigation on effect of corrosion on curvature-ductility relationship of RCC member in flexure

Abstract

Corrosion of reinforcement in concrete is the biggest concern when it comes to durability of concrete structure. It is not only detrimental to the health of the structure but also has economic implications with regard to the money and energy required for repair of concrete elements deteriorated by corrosion of steel. This study is dedicated to understand the effect of corrosion in concrete induced by chloride ingress using an accelerated technique involving the application of external voltage to laboratory cast RC beam specimens. All the specimens used in this study were cast in laboratory using M20 grade concrete using OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement). The diffusion coefficient of chloride ions into concrete was estimated using NT Build 492 test. Finally, the effect of corrosion on ductility, moment-curvature relationship and reduction in flexural strength of beams was measured using a two-point load flexural test. Reduction in strength and ductility was observed as the corrosion level increased.