Title: Effect of Corrosion on Shear Behavior of Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composite Beams

Author(s): M. Sahmaran, O. Anil, M. Lachemi, G. Yildirim, A. F. Ashour, and F. Acar

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 112

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 771-782

Keywords: corrosion; engineered cementitious composites (ECCs); normal concrete; reinforced concrete beam; shear

DOI: 10.14359/51687749

Date: 11/1/2015

Abstract:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of corrosion level on shear behavior of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) beams. Reinforced normal concrete (R-NC) specimens with compressive strength equal to the ECC specimens were also used for control purposes. Ten reinforced concrete beams (five ECC and five NC) with dimensions of 150 x 220 x 1400 mm (5.91 x 8.66 x 55.12 in.) were manufactured for the study. Using accelerated corrosion through the application of a constant current of 1 ampere, four levels of corrosion were established at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of mass loss of the reinforcing bars. To ensure the highest probability of shear failure mode, all beams were tested under a four-point loading system with a shear span-effective depth ratio of 2.5. General structural behavior, strength, stiffness, failure mode, and energy absorption capacities of ECC and R-NC beams subjected to different corrosion levels were evaluated and compared. Experimental results showed a high correlation between calculated mass loss and measured mass loss in reinforcing bars due to accelerated corrosion. Compared to NC, ECC beams exhibited significantly higher strength, stiffness, and energy absorption capacity, along with superior performance in terms of the restriction of damage caused due to corrosion. The increase in corrosion level negatively influenced the structural behavior of the ECC beams tested.