The size effect of rebars, on the structural integrity of reinforced concrete structures, which are exposed to corrosive environments

¹ Mechanical Engineer, PhD Candidate University of Patras, Greece
² Civil Engineer, Ass. Professor University of Patras, Greece

¹ Argyro Drakakaki: drakakaki@upatras.gr

Abstract

The goal of the present study is to mention the importance of underestimation of the corrosion damage developed in critical load bearing areas, on the column bases, where formation of plastic hinges is attended, mainly during strong seismic events (Figure 1). In such cases, plastic hinges are expected to absorb the seismic energy, owed to seismic vibration. However, chloride induced corrosion is responsible for significant degradation of concrete infrastructures located in coastal areas. Forecasting the life expectancy of such structures, in corrosive environments, is a challenge in engineering, given the fact that existing internal, external, as well as subcutaneous defects, in combination with the aggressive environmental factors, may be responsible for the development of subcutaneous damage on steel reinforcement [1], which may diminish the tolerance of the critical regions of the structures. Moreover, it is widely known that penetration of chloride ions into reinforced concrete varies according to its porosity and its permeability, however, the major factor for corrosion initiation is the threshold of chloride concentration, which strongly depends on the exposed surface area of steel. In the present experimental study, the variation of corrosion damage, on bare specimens, was evaluated and correlated with the geometry of the exposed surface of steel in corrosion [2]. Finally, a correlation between short bare specimens and the “injured” areas of the long embedded specimens is estimated as well.