Stress Corrosion Cracking in Prestressed Concrete: A Study of SCC in Prestressed Concrete Applications

This paper delves into the prevalent issue of pathological problems in concrete structures, with a specific focus on corrosion in steel reinforcement. It details an experimental investigation into the effects of chloride environments on prestressed concrete structures. Central to this study is the analysis of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in 5 mm prestressing strands. The findings reveal that SCC predominantly manifests as pitting corrosion, which in turn initiates micro cracking on the wire surface. Intriguingly, the stress applied to the wires appears not to alter the composition of the corrosion products. This research offers comprehensive insights into the behavior of high-carbon steel wires under SCC conditions. A critical discovery is the significant influence of stress level on SCC progression, which markedly diminishes the ultimate strength of the corroded wires. This is particularly evident in the 48% reduction in ductility of wires at 95% of the tensile strength (fptk), a consequence of the formation of localized microcracks. These findings underscore the need for a deeper understanding of SCC in prestressed concrete structures, which is vital for enhancing their durability and longevity.