Corrosion of the reinforcement and its influence on the residual structural performance of a 26-year-old corroded RC beam

•We have tested in 3-points bending, two 27 old beams: one corroded and one control.•Corrosion results of natural process and then corresponds to in situ conditions.•The loss of ductility of corroded beam is a major phenomena.•Ultimate elongation of steel bar is highly reduced by corrosion.

This paper presents the reinforcement corrosion process and the results of experiments on a highly corroded beam subjected to a chloride environment for 26 years so as to assess the residual performance of long-term-corrosion-damaged beams. A cracking map was drawn for the corroded beam, which was then tested by a three-point loading system until failure, as was a control beam of the same age. Force displacement curves were recorded for both beams. The corrosion distribution and loss of diameter of the steel bars were studied for the reinforcement. Tension tests of the tensile bars were carried out, and stress strain curves of the tension experiments were also plotted. From the results, it appears that corrosion has a significant impact on the reinforcing bar behavior, and on the load-bearing capacity, stiffness and deflection of the beam.