Experimental Investigation into The Effects of Rebar Corrosion on The Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Columns

The durability of reinforced concrete columns can be compromised by steel bar corrosion, leading to weakening and an inability to withstand design loads. The current research investigates the combined effect of longitudinal and confining reinforcement corrosion on the axial capacity of RC columns. Nine column samples (110 x 110 x 1160 mm) were tested and subjected to an artificial electrical corrosion process to expedite mass loss in both longitudinal steel and tie bars. The columns experienced a significant reduction in ultimate load-bearing capacity due to the weakened bond between the concrete and the reinforcement steel. Corrosion of the reinforcing steel and the formation of iron oxide layers negatively impacted the columns' load capacity. According to the findings, the average crack widths are 0.38 mm at 10% mass loss and 0.49 mm at 20% mass loss, with maximum crack widths ranging from 0.37 mm to 0.64 mm. The ultimate loading capacity decreased by 18.5% to 51% for a 10% mass loss and 25% to 65% for a 20% mass loss compared to the reference column without corrosion.