Effect of Corrosion Damage on the Ductility Performance of Concrete Columns

Problem statement: An experimental investigation was carried out on reinforced concrete columns with corroding reinforcement to assess the residual strength and ductility performance of columns. Approach: An accelerated corrosion regime of different degrees of corrosion damage of 10 and 25 % were induced in the steel reinforcement of concrete columns. The columns were then tested under uni-axial compression until failure. Results: The results showed a marked reduction in axial strength and ductility of the corroded concrete columns. Conclusion/Recommendations: The increase in corrosion intensity decreased the axial load carrying capacity of the columns and hence reduction in ductility of the corroded columns.