Deterioration of Strength of RC Beams due to Corrosion and Its Influence on Beam Reliability

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of corrosion of reinforcing steel on flexural and shear strength, and subsequently on reliability, of reinforced concrete beams. Two types of corrosion—general and pitting—are considered, with particular emphasis on the influence of pitting corrosion of stirrups on the performance of beams in shear. Variability of pitting corrosion along a beam is considered and the possibility of failure at a number of the beam cross sections is taken into account. Probabilities of failure are evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. Uncertainties in material properties, geometry, loads, and corrosion modeling are taken into account. Results show that corrosion of stirrups, especially pitting corrosion, has a significant influence on the reliability of reinforced concrete beams.