Validation of MODELCODE 2020 approach for corroded rebars in R.C. beam elements

Abstract The prediction of the structural behavior of corroded reinforced concrete elements is a topical issue in the research field, far from being assessed, even if the corrosion consequences at local and global levels are well known. The definition of analytical or numerical models is typically addressed with two different strategies. The first one, also suggested in ModelCode 2020, assumes that the corrosion effects can be accounted for, in a simplified engineering approach, considering the nominal uncorroded area and modifying the constitutive law of the steel rebar, by means of decay laws of the mechanical properties, that is, yielding strength, ultimate strength, and ultimate strain. According to another strategy, corrosion is simulated by considering a reduction of the rebar area and a decay of the ultimate strain. The paper aims to compare the two modeling approaches applied to analytical models, through a comparison with experimental results both developed by the authors and available in the literature, in order to highlight their peculiar characteristics, range of applicability, and safety levels.