If prestressing steel is rusted, what is the consequence?

• A. It can be used if density is met
• B. It cannot be used
• C. It must be painted and used
• D. It should be replaced with stainless steel

Answer: (B)

Rusted prestressing steel means corrosion has eaten into the tendon, reducing its strength and stiffness and damaging the bond with concrete. The cross‑section gets thinner, pits form, and the prestress force the tendon can carry becomes unreliable. In pretensioned members, that loss of integrity can lead to insufficient prestress, cracking, and failure at the anchors. Because you can’t guarantee the designed performance after rusting, the tendon cannot be used again. Painting or coatings don’t restore the lost strength, and using a different material (like stainless steel) isn’t a standard remedy for a compromised tendon.