The influence of exposed to corrosion length of rebars on fatigue life of RC elements

Abstract

Deterioration of reinforced concrete is a main factor on estimation of structures' service lifetime. As it is well known, both corrosion of steel reinforcement and earthquake events, have detrimental effects on structural integrity of RC elements. In this study, the fatigue life of corroded reinforcement is investigated. Bare and embedded (in concrete) specimens of rebars are tested in low cycle fatigue conditions after accelerated corrosion experiments using impressed current technique. Corrosion damage, in terms of mass loss, and the mechanical tests of fatigue are taken account in function of the exposed to corrosion length of reinforcement. The outcomes attained from the experimental study indicate higher mass loss values of specimens with short exposed to corrosion length than the corresponding mass loss values of specimens with long exposed to corrosion length at the same tested corrosion time; subsequently resulting in their reduced fatigue lifetime. Extrapolating the abovementioned results on RC elements in marine environment located in seismic prone areas, issues are raised concerning the assessment of structural integrity and the parameters which are taken into account on monitoring of high importance structures.