Corrosion-induced cracking and bond strength in reinforced concrete

Corrosion of the steel reinforcement is among the main causes of deterioration in concrete structures. Measures of corrosion levels are typically used to evaluate the subsequent reduction in steel-to-concrete bond, but results lack accuracy. In this study, a new assessment approach based on surface cracks was investigated. Specimens were subjected to accelerated corrosion using an impressed current. With a novel sealing method, mass losses were decoupled from concrete cracking. The results indicate that surface crack widths can be better indicators of bond degradation than corrosion levels. The findings can lead to more accurate assessments and reduced maintenance costs of infrastructure.