Influence of time-dependent corrosion on strength and ductility of reinforcing steel bars exposed to natural and aggressive environments

The reinforcement corrosion in is a major and most frequent reason of degradation for reinforced-concrete (RC) structures throughout the world, leading to their premature deterioration before design life was attained. Corrosion weakens mechanical properties rebar by ingress aggressive ions due various environments. In this study, total 99 specimens with six different diameters were tested, three exposure periods, environments, assess influence on reinforcing bars. Degradation relationships strength ductility period diameter, analyzed, equations proposed formulate relations. It found that, ultimate 8.6% corroded bars falls below original yield strength; after 5 years natural atmosphere, reduction insignificant; detergent solution environment could cause loss 24.8%.