Modelling deterioration of structural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams under saline environment corrosion

In the assessment of existing structures the likely future deterioration of strength and stiffness is of interest. For reinforced concrete beams one of the most important influencing factors is the loss of reinforcement cross-sectional area at critical locations. Because corrosion is a long-term process for well-designed structures, there is only limited field experience available on which to draw and with which to make empirical rules.