Effect of Chloride on Flexural Strength of Reinforced Concrete Slender Beams

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Abstract

This study presents a performance comparison of reinforced concrete slender beams mixed with incorporating silica fume. The reinforcing steel was subjected to accelerated corrosion using a 12-volt impressed current method. The variables included the replacement of cement with silica fume (0%, 10%, and 20% by weight) and corrosion duration (0, 5, and 8 days). The shear span-to-effective depth ratio was maintained at 3.76, and the concrete used was normal strength. All beam specimens were tested under single-point loading at mid-span until failure. Results indicated that beams with 10–20% silica fume showed improved resistance to chloride penetration, reduced corrosion risk, and enhanced flexural capacity. The beams with 20% silica fume exhibited the highest structural performance. In contrast, beams without silica fume and subjected to corrosion showed a significant reduction in flexural strength. These findings highlight the critical role of silica fume in improving durability and extending the service life of reinforced concrete slender beams.