This paper presents the chloride penetration and the effect of chloride ingress on the serviceability of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. A series of experimental studies were carried out on beams with various corroded ages up to 28 years. The chloride content in different locations were tested during various periods. Different states influencing the serviceability of the corroded beams were investigated, including the maximum width of the corrosion-induced cracks of the concrete cover, the mid-span deflection of the beams under the service load and their load-bearing capacity. Based on the results available from this programme, the service life of corroded beams was predicted by the corrosion process of the reinforcement. The results showed that the chloride corrosion could significantly deteriorate the serviceability of the beams. The current criteria concerning the chloride content at the level of the reinforcement of the concrete beams and the maximum width of the corrosion-induced cracks appear to be very conservative. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.