Mathematical models to predict the mechanical behavior of reinforcements depending on their degree of corrosion and the diameter of the rebars

• Models that relate mechanical properties with corrosion degree have been obtained.
• The variation of yield stress and ultimate strength does not depend on the diameter.
• Bar resistance reduction is lower than the one caused by section loss.
• Deformation energy density undergoes higher decreases than yield stress or strength.

Tensile strength of high ductility reinforcements with different corrosion levels have been tested. Results have led to obtain models that relate yield stress, ultimate strength and energy density of deformation with corrosion degree and diameter. Good relations in the models analyzed have been obtained. Due to the lack of homogeneity in the composition and the lack of uniformity in the material loss in the bar due to corrosion, the strength decrease is smaller that the one predicted by the loss of steel section. Percentage decrease of energy density is higher than the decreases experienced by yield stress and ultimate strength.