Effects of Mixed Corrosion, Freeze-Thaw Cycles, and Persistent Loads on Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams

Abstract

The effects of mixed corrosion and freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical properties of concrete prism specimens and the effects of mixed corrosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and persistent loads on the structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams were experimentally studied. A mixed solution of NaCl and Na2SO4 was used as a corrosive medium. Results show that under alternating actions of freeze-thaw and mixed corrosive agents, increasing the number of freeze-thaw cycles decreases the compressive strength and the elastic modulus of concrete and increases the compressive strain corresponding to the maximum compressive stress. The degradation of concrete material properties accelerates with the increase of water-cement ratio. For reinforced concrete beams, a 4% reduction in the loading capacity is found when these are subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and mixed corrosion only. However, if these actions are coupled with persistent loading, as expected during the service life of reinforced concrete structures in cold regions, a more rapid drop in the strength and deformation capacity of the beams is identified. The degradation is enhanced by a larger persistent-loading ratio. The significance of an accurate simulation of service conditions in the durability study of reinforced concrete structures in cold regions is highlighted.