ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The reinforcement corrosion is nowadays considered one of the primary causes for the decrease of the load carrying capacity of r.c. structures. This phenomenon is particularly felt for bridge structures very often subjected to aggressive environment and/or to thaw salts, as witnessed by the need for continuous maintenance and important repairs or strengthening due to structural deterioration. The rebar diameter reduction, induced by the corrosion, and particularly the pitting effects, seems to influence both the steel yield stress and the ultimate steel strain. In fact, as the load increases, the plastic deformation localizes in small zones and the consequent reduction of yielding spread can lead to a brittle failure.
