Corroded Tension Chord Model: Load?deformation behavior of structures with locally corroded reinforcement

Localised corrosion may considerably impair the load-bearing and deformation capacity of reinforced concrete structures. The Corroded Tension Chord Model allows investigating related effects. model combines effects tension stiffening strain localisation due to a local cross-section loss calculate load-deformation behaviour members entire structural elements containing locally corroded reinforcing bars on sound mechanical basis. Based simple equilibrium considerations, critical cross-sectional area is introduced, beyond which most bar's ductility or structure's capacity, respectively, lost. For conventional European steel, even small losses be sufficient drastically. Illustrative calculations with various spatial distributions but identical mean reveal that strongly depends specific parameters: Structures few heavily seem less regarding strength than structures many slightly bars.