Effect of Restraints on Deterioration-induced Deformation in RC Structures Undergoing both Steel Corrosion and Alkali-Silica Reaction
Mike OTIENO, Mebrahetu BEYENE
Abstract: The durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is compromised by various deterioration mechanisms, most notably alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and chloride-induced steel corrosion. While some studies have focused on the combined effects these deterioration mechanisms, it is necessary to understand the impact of restraint on the deterioration-induced deformations. Furthermore, the presence of restraints closely simulates most in-service RC structural members. This study presents an experimental investigation into the degradation of RC due to ASR and exposure to chloride environments, with focus on the influence of two-dimensional (2-D) restraint on deterioration-induced deformation. Six slab specimens (350 × 350 × 50 mm) were cast and subjected to exposure environments designed to accelerate the deterioration mechanisms independently and in combined situations (ASR-only, steel corrosion-only, and combined ASR and steel corrosion, respectively). For each exposure and deterioration set-up, both restrained and unrestrained conditions were used. The specimens were monitored for steel corrosion and expansion during the experimental period. Preliminary results indicate that combined ASR and corrosion resulted in synergistic and extended damage characterised by widespread map cracking of the concrete and increased steel corrosion levels particularly in unrestrained specimens. In addition to corroborating previous findings that combined deterioration processes exacerbate the risk of loss of serviceability and structural integrity, the results demonstrate that restraints can slow down the rate of deterioration and impact the geometric response of a RC member to deterioration-induced stresses.
Keywords
Alkali-Silica Reaction, Steel Corrosion, Durability, Restraint, Reinforced Concrete Deterioration, Crack Formation
Published online 4/2/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Mike OTIENO, Mebrahetu BEYENE, Effect of Restraints on Deterioration-induced Deformation in RC Structures Undergoing both Steel Corrosion and Alkali-Silica Reaction, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 63, pp 152-159, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904053-17
The article was published as article 17 of the book Advances in Cement and Concrete Research
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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