The effect of transverse reinforcement corrosion on the axial bearing capacity of reinforced concrete columns

Abstract

Confined transverse reinforcements play important roles in improving the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete columns so that this fact is mentioned in most design codes. Chloride corrosion of such reinforcements has seriously become a growing challenge for the durability of structures leading to reductions in the capacity of reinforced concrete structures and their lifetime. Because the transverse reinforcements have small concrete covers and close to free surfaces, the corrosion in these rebars occurs earlier and more severe than longitudinal reinforcements. Reductions in confinement, deformation capacity, and ductility of reinforced concrete structures are the major consequences of corrosion. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to investigate different reinforced concrete columns under diverse corrosion levels.