Tensile and low cycle fatigue behavior of corroded reinforcing steel bars S400

The results of an experimental study for assessing the degradation of the tensile properties of reinforcing steel bars grade S400 caused by accelerated laboratory salt spray are presented. Furthermore, low cycle fatigue tests, which simulate earthquake loading conditions, have been carried out on uncorroded (reference) material as well as pre-corroded steel bars and the results are presented and commented upon. The results of the tensile tests have shown an appreciable property degradation with advancing corrosion. The low cycle fatigue resistance of the steel bars was found to be closely dependent upon the level of corrosion. Furthermore, the tests indicate that the material degradation may be more severe than thought when taking mass loss as a measure of corrosion damage.