Flexural Capacity of Corroded Post-Tensioned Concrete Beams: Large Scale Tests and Numerical Simulations

An experimental campaign on corroded post-tensioned concrete beams is being carried out at the University of Messina (Italy). The main goal of the research project is to study the influence of the tendon corrosion on the response behaviour of post-tensioned concrete beams subjected to a transversal load. In 2006, six beams were cast with a tendon placed at the centroid of the cross-section. Corrosion of the tendons was artificially induced in each specimen by injecting a chemical solution or an acid in some parts of the duct. The experimental results have showed how external causes, reproduced by artificial defects, can induce several critical issues, and undermine both the durability and the load bearing capacity of the beams. The load bearing capacity of the beam with defects was reduced until half of the one recorded for the specimen with not corroded tendon.