Title: Methodology for the Structural Assessment of Concrete Affected by Reinforcement Corrosion

Author(s): J. Rodriguez, L.M. Ortega, J. Aragoncillo, D. Izquierdo, and C. Andrade

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 229

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 305-318

Keywords: corrosion indicators; reinforcement; structural assessment

DOI: 10.14359/14744

Date: 9/1/2005

Abstract:
The evaluation of the condition of concrete structures suffering reinforcement corrosion lacks proper methods in standards or codes. At present, it is made by using non systematic methodologies and not considering the proportion of concrete or steel section that are damaged. In this paper, a methodology is described that considers the real state of the structure and the loss in steel cross section as well as the loss on steel/concrete bond or the concrete cracked section. The methodology considers two levels of detail. The first, a Simplified Method, is based on the use of corrosion indicators and is applied to make a preliminary assessment of the structural condition or to classify different ratios of damage in a semi-quantitative manner. The second, a Detailed Method, is based on the calculation of the ultimate states considering the reduced section. In both methods three steps are considered in the assessment: inspection, diagnosis or evaluation of present state, and prediction of future evolution. In the inspection phase, the minimum amount of testing needed for a correct characterization is described. In the second step, the simplified method uses “indicators” to classify the damage level, while the detailed method evaluates how corrosion has affected the concrete-steel bond, how much steel cross section has been lost, and the extent cover cracking. Finally, a prediction is made through the determination of the corrosion rate to give guidance on the urgency of intervention. The detailed method verifies the behaviour from the application of the limit-states theory. The whole process is presented in the form of a manual for engineers.