Corrosion effects on bond strength in reinforced concrete with fly ash

Abstract

Reinforcing steel bars provides additional strength and ductility to concrete by forming a strong bond with the concrete matrix. Corrosion of steel bars can significantly reduce the bonding effect between the steel bar and concrete, which can compromise the structural integrity and durability of reinforced concrete structures. An experimental investigation was performed to examine the influence of fly ash (FA) and corrosion on concrete–steel bond behavior. The accelerated corrosion method was employed to obtain the desired level of corrosion. The FA content, corrosion percentage, and presence of stirrups were considered significant factors influencing bond behavior. The bond–slip curves and bond toughness were used to discuss bond behaviors. The findings indicated that mild corrosion (below 2.5%) can enhance concrete–steel bond performance, and the addition of 20% FA leads to higher ultimate bond strength (τu ), significantly mitigating the decrease in bond strength caused by severe rebar corrosion. Also, this study analyzed the influence of stirrups on the bond strength of FA concrete and had a nearly insignificant effect compared to regular concrete. The results and discussions of the present study carry significant importance in the establishment of a bond–slip constitutive model under multifactor coupling conditions. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the design of engineering structures.