Impact of reinforcement corrosion on serviceability and strength of reinforced concrete bridges

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The main degradation mechanism that affects reinforced concrete highway infrastructure in Canada is chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcing steel. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the impact of chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion on the serviceability and strength of reinforced concrete bridges. Three aspects of this problem are to be investigated: (i) the impact of in-service loads on the chloride ingress into concrete; (ii) the impact of reinforcement corrosion on the structural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams and columns; and, (iii) the impact of dynamic load on deteriorated reinforced concrete bridges. This is intended to be done through both experimental tests and non-linear finite element modelling. The experimental program has as its aim to study chloride ingress into reinforced and prestressed concrete beams under sustained loading. The numerical component of the research aims at integrating material deterioration models with non-linear finite element modelling of reinforced concrete structural members under monotonic and dynamic loading regimes. The significance of this research is the improved understanding of the effects of corrosion on serviceability and residual strength of reinforced concrete bridges, and the direct application of this knowledge to the effective management of Canada's aging and deteriorating infrastructure through the implementation of service life models.