Ductility of reinforcing steel with different degrees of corrosion and the ‘equivalent steel’ criterion

One of the most significant effects of reinforcing steel corrosion on reinforced concrete structures is the decline in the ductility-related properties of the steel. Such properties condition the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures and must be taken into account when re-engineering corroded members, for even the analytical approach itself may be determined on these grounds. The present experimental study addresses the variation in the ductility of concrete-embedded steel bars when exposed to accelerated corrosion; the results serve as a basis for a discussion of the most suitable methodology for structural analysis.