Corrosion Resistance of Using Very High Strength Steel Reinforcing Bars in Reinforced Concrete Beams– An Experimental and Analytical Approach

Project Description: Advancements in manufacturing methods and the growing demand for high-strength materials in reinforced concrete have led to the development of steel reinforcing bars with strengths exceeding 100 ksi. These ultra-high-strength bars hold significant promise for bridge construction, as they could extend feasible span lengths beyond those achievable with conventional reinforcement while still meeting strength and serviceability requirements. Their use can also reduce girder depth, leading to material savings and lower overall construction costs. However, successful implementation requires addressing key concerns regarding serviceability and durability. Critical factors include corrosion resistance, structural behavior, and ductility of beams reinforced with these high-strength bars. The primary objective of the proposed work is to investigate the durability (corrosion resistance) and serviceability of concrete girders reinforced with very high-strength reinforcement, by testing bond-slip relationship between corroded and non-corroded steel rebars and concrete. 12 medium-span (8 in x 12 in x 10 ft) concrete beams will be cast and tested for strength and ductility. Six of the 12 beams will be subjected to accelerated corrosion. Under controlled conditions, the research team will test the strength and ductility characteristics of the beams reinforced with these bars. By addressing the performance of very high-strength reinforcing bars in reinforced concrete girders and their behavior under corrosive conditions, this project advances the application of durable, next-generation materials for transportation infrastructure.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $195,730.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348335

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Department of Transportation

  Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  Center for Healthy and Durable Transportation

  University of Missouri Kansas City
  Kansas City, Missouri  United States  64110
• Principal Investigators:

  Thiagarajan, Ganesh

  Halmen, Ceki

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 20271231
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Beams; Bridge construction; Corrosion resistance; High strength steel; Reinforced concrete; Reinforcing bars
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01987039
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Healthy and Durable Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348335
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 23 2026 6:10PM