Experimental investigation and numerical modelling of the seismic performance of corroded T-shaped reinforced concrete shear walls

Abstract

Six T-shaped reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall specimens were subjected to constant-current and drying-wetting cycle accelerated corrosion tests and pseudostatic loading tests in this paper. The corrosion appearance, failure mode, and mechanical properties of each specimen were compared, and the impact of the corrosion degree and axial compression ratio on the seismic performance of the T-shaped RC shear wall was analysed. The experimental outcomes illustrate that the seismic behaviour of the specimens under positive and negative loading was conspicuously different because of the asymmetric section of the specimens. Under positive loading, the bearing capacity of the specimens was higher, and the deformation capacity was poor, while the negative loading was the opposite. As the corrosion degree increased, the bearing capacity, deformability, stiffness degradation degree, cumulative energy dissipation capacity, and proportion of shear deformation in the total deformation of the specimens all showed a downwards trend. With increasing axial compression ratio, the bearing capacity of the specimen increased, the cumulative energy dissipation capacity, ultimate displacement and the proportion of shear deformation in the total deformation decreased, and the degradation rate of stiffness accelerated. Subsequently, considering the correction of corroded materials, a numerical model of the corroded T-shaped RC shear wall based on the ShellMITC4 multilayer shell element was established, and the exactitude of the numerical model was validated based on test data. Finally, based on the established numerical model, the effects of the concrete strength, boundary column longitudinal reinforcement ratio and vertical distribution reinforcement rate on the seismic behaviour of corroded T-shaped RC shear walls were studied. These research outcomes can offer supporting theories for numerical modelling analysis and seismic capacity assessment of existing RC shear wall structures in coastal environments.