Behavior of Patch-Repaired Concrete Structural Elements under Increasing Static Loads to Flexural Failure

Abstract

Results are presented from experimental work that was conducted in order to study the mechanical behavior of damaged structural elements in bending. Both repaired and unrepaired concrete elements (beams) were considered in this program. These elements were damaged using an accelerated local corrosion process that consisted of chloride penetration. Both locally corroded tensile reinforcement (Series I) and locally corroded compressive reinforcement (Series II) are considered independently. The structural behavior and the efficiency of repair systems in the ultimate and service limit states were evaluated. The work focuses on the pattern of structural cracks, displacements, load-bearing capacity, and ductility variations to examine the influence of the adopted repair systems on both limit states. The experimental results made it possible to assess the effect of the detailing, the degree of corrosion, and the presence of the repair patch in the structural behavior of the beams. As a result, general recommendations are proposed for patch-repaired elements.