Experimental study of corrosion effects on high-strength steel wires considering strain influence

Abstract

The change in the mechanical properties caused by the corrosion of steel wires is a critical issue in durability studies of bridges. In this study, an accelerated corrosion experiment on ∅5.25 mm steel wires was designed and conducted. The statistical characteristics of the corrosion morphologies under different strain levels and corrosion times were first observed and analyzed using a 3D microscope with a super-high magnification zoom lens. Subsequently, the probability density functions of the pit depth, radius, and center distance against the corrosion time and strain level were formulated. The yield and ultimate loads of the corroded wires were obtained through mechanical performance tests. A regression analysis of the test results demonstrates that the yield load loss rate (YLLR) and ultimate load loss rate (ULLR) exhibit a positive correlation with the cross-section loss rate (CSLR) with an increasing deviation. Finally, a degradation model with respect to the yield and ultimate loads of the corroded steel wires was established based on a normal distribution. The results can be used for a long-term performance evaluation of high-strength steel wires.