Which risk increases when post-tensioned concrete beam tendons experience corrosion induced hydrogen embrittlement?

💡 Explanation

When tendons corrode, hydrogen embrittlement weakens the steel due to hydrogen atoms diffusing into the metal lattice, reducing its fracture toughness. Therefore sudden brittle fracture is more likely, rather than creep, reduced ductility, or alkali-silica reaction, which involve different failure mechanisms.

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