Experimental study on correlation between bending capacity and self-magnetic flux leakage of corroded RC beams

To explore the correlation between bending capacity and self-magnetic flux leakage (SMFL) of corroded RC beams, the bending capacity test and SMFL signal acquisition of corroded RC beams were carried out. Firstly, electrochemically accelerated corrosion of the tested beams based on the first law of Faraday electrolysis law was carried out. Then the SMFL signals of the tested beams were acquired. Finally, the bending capacity of the beams was obtained using four-point bending tests. It can be concluded that with the deepening of corrosion, the curves of the SMFL's component of the tested beams demonstrate a more obvious bulge peak, and the bending capacity gradually decreases simultaneously. The corroded region and the approximate degree of bending capacity reduction degree can be determined by this bulge peak. As the decrease of the bending capacity, both the gradient and increment of SMFL curves increase non-linearly and monotonously, and their growth rates are consistent with the loss rate of bending capacity. Both the gradient and increment can indicate the large attenuation of bending capacity, and the peak point of increment curves can be used as a criterion for complete loss of bending capacity. © 2020, Editorial Office of Journal of Building Structures. All right reserved.