Influence of top-casting-induced defects on the corrosion of the compressive reinforcement of naturally corroded beams under sustained loading

This paper discusses the effect of top-casting-induced defects on the corrosion development of compressive bars in reinforced concrete beams exposed to a chloride environment, under sustained loading. Four reinforced concrete beams, exposed to artificial climate of accelerated natural corrosion for 38 months and 48 months, respectively, were tested. The cracking maps, chloride profiles, cross-sectional loss, and corrosion distribution around the...