Influence of the type of reinforcement on load bearing capacity of corroded reinforced concrete structures

Corrosion of steel in concrete is a worldwide economical, social and safety problem. In order to investigate about influence of type of reinforcement, 48 specimens have been exposed to 3.5 wt% sodium chloride solution and a cathodic current has been imposed to accelerate corrosion process. After about one year, six of them have been tested in order to evaluate the loss of load-bearing capacity. Reinforcement bar diameter loss has been evaluated by performing gravimetric measurement. Three different kinds of bars have been used: non-ribbed bars, ribbed bars and ribbed galvanized bars in order to simulate “old” structures, “modern” structures and a possible way to build “more durable” structures, respectively.