Detection of damage due to corrosion in prestressed RC beams by static and dynamic tests

In this paper, the behaviour of pre-stressed RC beams with compressive concrete subjected to damage due to reinforcement corrosion has been experimentally investigated. The experimental static and dynamic analysis is described. The results of static bending tests show that the corrosion leads to an increase of curvature for prestressed RC section, a decrease of stiffness and, as evident, a non linear behaviour of damaged beam under low service loads. Dynamic tests allow to record variations of frequency response both for undamaged and damaged beams at different modes of vibration. Finally, a damage coefficient has been evaluated for damaged beams.