A Review on Advanced Strengthening Techniques for Corrosion-Damaged Reinforced Concrete Structures

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, 632014, Tamilnadu, India

2 Associate Professor, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, 632014, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Corrosion of steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete (RC) structures causes an appreciable loss of mechanical properties, which subsequently affects load-carrying capacity, durability, and structural safety. More than 63 scientific papers, including experimental, field based and computational, investigations on the behavior of corroded Reinforced Concrete beams, slabs, and columns strengthened with high-performance materials published between 2003 to 2024 are critically examined in the present study. Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), Ultra high-Performance Concrete (UHPC), Fibre reinforced polymers (FRP), and Hybrid systems are the major categories to which the examined methods belong. FRP-based methods such as CFRP laminates, NSM reinforcements, and jackets significantly enhanced flexural and shear strength. Although hybrid methods such as Impressed Current Cathodic Protection-Structural Strengthening (ICCP-SS) and Cementitious Fiber Reinforced Composite Material (C-FRCM) systems provided advantages for both mechanical and corrosion protection, UHPC overlays and ECC wraps improved ductility, crack control, and durability. Finite element modeling and parametric studies validated such enhancements with predictive precision. In spite of these advances, problems like interface debonding, long-term performance under combined corrosion-loading conditions, and absence of standard retrofit design codes continue to exist. This review identifies research gaps in cyclic behavior under environmental stressors, long-term performance modelling, and cost-efficient hybrid solutions. Future studies are suggested to aim at evolving multi-functional, long-lasting, and sustainable strengthening approaches complemented by advanced simulation and monitoring technologies.

Highlights

  • Thorough analysis of cutting-edge materials for reinforcing corroded reinforced concrete (RC) slabs, beams, and columns, including FRP, UHPC, and ECC.
  • FRP-strengthened RC members exhibit noticeably improved load-carrying capacity, ductility, and energy absorption, according to experimental and numerical studies.
  • Predictive insights from FEM and parametric analysis aid in the optimization of strengthening techniques to guarantee the long-term stability and safety of RC structures.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 August 2025

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