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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

(i) The presence <strong>of</strong> rust impairs the bond strength <strong>of</strong> deformed<br />

reinforcement because corrosion occurs at the raised ribs and fills the<br />

gap between ribs, thus evening out the original deformed shape. In<br />

essence, the bond between concrete and deformed bars originates<br />

from the mechanical lock between the raised ribs and concrete. The<br />

reduction <strong>of</strong> mechanical locks by corrosion results in the decline in bond<br />

strength with concrete.<br />

(ii) The presence <strong>of</strong> corrosion reduces the effective cross sectional area <strong>of</strong><br />

the steel reinforcement. Hence, the available tensile capacity <strong>of</strong> steel<br />

reinforcement is reduced by a considerable reduction in the cross<br />

sectional area.<br />

(iii) The corrosion products occupy about 3 times the original volume <strong>of</strong><br />

steel from which it is formed. Such drastic increase in volume generates<br />

significant bursting forces in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> steel reinforcement.<br />

Consequently, cracks are formed along the steel reinforcement when<br />

the tensile strength <strong>of</strong> concrete is exceeded.<br />

12. Hong Kong General Specification for Civil Engineering Works<br />

(1992 Edition) Clause 15.09 specifies that tying wires for<br />

reinforcement adjacent to and above Class F4 and F5 finishes should<br />

be stainless steel wires. Why? (SR4)<br />

If plain steel tying wires are used for reinforcement adjacent to Class F4<br />

and F5 finishes, it poses the problem <strong>of</strong> rust staining which may impair the<br />

appearance <strong>of</strong> exposed concrete surfaces. The rate <strong>of</strong> corrosion <strong>of</strong> plain<br />

steel tying wires is similar to normal steel reinforcement. However, for tying<br />

wires with very small diameter, upon long exposure it stands a high chance<br />

<strong>of</strong> rusting completely and these rust will stain the formwork and significantly<br />

affect the concrete finish. Therefore, stainless steel tying wires are<br />

specified for locations in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> high quality <strong>of</strong> finishes to avoid rust<br />

staining by corroded typing wires.<br />

Note: Tying wires are wires used for fixing and connecting steel reinforcement bars.<br />

13. Which type <strong>of</strong> bar reinforcement is more corrosion resistant,<br />

epoxy-coated bars, stainless steel bars or galvanized bars? (SR4)<br />

Based on the experiment conducted by the Building Research<br />

Establishment, it was shown that the corrosion resistance <strong>of</strong> galvanized<br />

steel was the worst among the three types <strong>of</strong> bar reinforcement. For<br />

galvanized steel bars, corrosion started to occur when a certain chloride<br />

content in concrete (i.e. 0.4% by cement weight) was exceeded. However,<br />

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