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

In recent years, damage to reinforced concrete structures due to chloride corrosion has become a growing problem for the durability of structures, which reduces the capacity and the service life of reinforced concrete structures, as well as reducing safety. Therefore, a model and reliable method for assessing the remaining resistance is necessary. This method, by evaluating the structure, can help to optimize the maintenance and increase the service life of reinforced concrete structures in corrosive environments. 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. Based on the results, the reduction in the strength of the circular columns reinforced by the spirals is larger than the corresponding rate in the rectangular columns confined by the stirrups. These cases indicate that the spirals are more sensitive to corrosion than the stirrups.