WS Atkins

Bridge Engineering Research Activities

Mike Chubb

WS Atkins Bridge Engineering Research

Deteriorated reinforced concrete structures
Lab testing of rc specimens

Hidden strengths of structures

Testing of rc slabs for shear distribution

Precast deck panels for composite bridges

ULS, SLS and fatigue testing

Deteriorated Reinforced Concrete Structures

Investigation by WS Atkins and Testing at Westminster University
Desk Study Testing Amendments to BD44 Assessment Rules Draft BA Advice Note

Deteriorated Reinforced Concrete Structures

Scope

Corrosion affected reinforced concrete

loss of section delamination of cover

Cause

Chlorides Carbonation

Desk Study - Effects

Low or reduced cover
Delamination

Corrosion
Loss of section of reinforcement

Weakened concrete
Cracking

Conclusion
Assessment standards not adequate for deterioration Need data on: bond for reduced cover effect on corrosion of reinforcement effect of weak concrete effect of cracking on strength

Testing
Bond Tests 132 No Beam Tests 65 No Slab Tests 10 No Column Tests 3 No Punching Tests 3 No Cracked Model Tests 12 No

Bond Testing

Pull Out Tests

Bond Testing
Variables
Concrete strength Bar type and diameter Link type, spacing and diameter Clamping (from bearings) Top or bottom cast Cover including effects of delamination Corrosion

Bond Testing Results

Laboratory Induced Corrosion

Unbonded Loss of Flexural Strength

Ultimate Moment of Resistance for bonded and unbonded reinforcement in beams

Amendments to BD44
Accounts for:
Loss of cover Corrosion of reinforcement Cracking Clamping of bearings

Rebar Anchorage

Build-up of Bar Capacity from Curtailment or Corrosion Point

Amendment to BD44

Regans Method

Amendment to BD44
CAUTION
Deterioration is on-going Record present condition
Delamination not easy to accurately record Corrosion very difficult to estimate

Allow for future trend

Delamination is a sudden event Corrosion is progressive

End

End

Deterioration Process

Deterioration Process

Bond Testing Results

Corrosion and Delamination
half barrel equivalent

Corroded Links
Results
Over-conservative to ignore strength of corroded links

Desk Study - Identified Causes

Original construction defects Shrinkage Overstressing Chemical attack Corrosion Climatic Hazard events Construction detailing

Desk Study - Effects

Low or reduced cover
construction defects
stable

delamination due to corrosion

progressive deterioration

Desk Study - Effects

Loss of section reinforcement due to corrosion
pitting uniform rusting

Desk Study - Effects

Weak Concrete
honeycombing substandard mix chemical attack cracking
shrinkage overstressing chemical eg, ASR, TSA

Laboratory Testing
Objectives
Study bond strength variations Study failure modes with delaminated cover Shear in cracked beams

Restrained Beam Tests

Bond not additive between bars with different stirrup restraint

Amendment to BD44
Loss of Cover - Strength
slenderness of columns and walls reduced cross-section for flexure shear strength reduced in slabs and beams

Amendment to BD 44
Where the longitudinal reinforcement is insufficient or is insufficiently anchored, the shear link capacity shall be proportionately reduced.

Amendment to BD44
Corrosion of Main Reinforcement
reduced section take account of bond

Amendment to BD44
Analysis
Reinforcement strength from anchorage bond Regans method

Amendment to BD44
Regans Method F x Force in bar at x M Moment Z Lever Arm V Shear Angle of shear failure plane to horizontal S Stirrup spacing along beam 1 Effective area of row of stirrups across beam A sv f sv Stress in stirrups (0.87 x yield)

Amendment to BD44
Corrosion of Link Reinforcement
compression bar effectiveness reduced shear effectiveness partly reduced torsional capacity reduced

Shear with Corrosion

Corroded corners of links 50% of actual loss If actual loss >67% beam is too corroded to assess

Shear with Vertical Cracking

2-3 mm cracks 25% loss of concrete contribution

7 mm cracks
no concrete contribution