Title:
Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams under Coupled Effects of Loads and Corrosion
Author(s):
Abdullah Al-Bayti, Husham Almansour, Murat Saatcioglu, and Bessam Kadhom
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
17-28
Keywords:
corrosion; experimental; flexural cracks; reinforced concrete (RC) beams; service loads; structural behavior
DOI:
10.14359/51749404
Date:
7/1/2026
Abstract:
An experimental investigation was conducted to examine the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to service loads coupled with corrosion of the main flexural reinforcement. A total of nine beams with dimensions of 145 x 250 x 1800 mm (5.71 x 9.84 x 70.87 in.) were constructed. The main test variables were corrosion current density and level of service loading. The beams were loaded under a four-point bending test to either 60, 40, or 0% of the beam ultimate capacity. Applied loads and reinforcement corrosion were sustained until the failure of beams. Test results indicate that the failure of corroded RC beams becomes brittle, resulting in premature rupture of corroded steel bars. This behavior is attributed to the development of localized corrosion at sections with flexural cracks in beams. Furthermore, it was found that beams subjected to higher levels of service loading experienced further reductions in ultimate load capacity and ductility.
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