Influence of corrosion on the mechanical properties of steel

Abstract

In this paper an experimental investigation of the effect of corrosion on the mechanical properties of steel is presented. Tensile tests were carried out on deformed reinforcing bars previously subjected to accelerated corrosion. To this end, a direct current of a 1 mA/cm2 density was impressed on the rebars inmersed in a medium which reproduced, to a certain, the aggressive environment of carbonated or chloride-contaminated concrete. These tests allowed the study of the following parameters, depending on the corrosion level: yield stress Fsy, tensile strength Fsu and elongation at maximum load Esu. Results indicate that corrosion affects ductility of steel, decreasing bar elongation at maximum load.