Efficient algorithm for elastic buckling of corroded I-section steel members with Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulation has been widely used to deal with random problems. Corrosion of steel structures is of high random nature. Current studies on the behavior of steel structures considering corrosion effect are usually executed by using the commercial finite element analysis software, which costs huge computational time to ensure sufficient Monte Carlo simulation. In this paper, an efficient algorithm to deal with the buckling behavior of corroded I-section steel member is proposed. The computational time required is significantly reduced. The objective of this paper is focused on the elastic buckling behavior of the member. The nonlinearity in practical buckling design is not considered. The random nature of corrosion is captured by using the Monte Carlo simulation. The warping and Wagner effects due to corrosion are also considered in the algorithm. Three buckling types are studied, namely, flexural buckling, lateral–torsional buckling and axial–torsional buckling. The accuracy of the algorithm is validated against both the experiment and the finite element analysis. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effects of the corrosion ratio and corrosion depth on the elastic buckling behavior of the member. It is found that corrosion reduces the axial–torsional​ buckling of the member with the greatest extent. The flexural elastic buckling load is mainly affected by the section area loss ratio. The reduction factor of the flexural buckling is linear against the area loss ratio. With the aid of the proposed algorithm, the deterioration of the elastic buckling load and moment of a steel member with respect to corrosion time is quantified.