Experimental study on flexural behavior of corroded post-tensioned T- shaped beam

Abstract

A comprehensive literature review on pre-stressed concrete beams subjected to corrosion reveals that most experimental studies are on rectangular sections even though T-shaped and box sections are more widely used in engineering practice with post-tensioned prestress, in particular for heavy structures like bridges. In this paper, five post-tensioned T-shaped beams were prepared, four of which were subjected to accelerated corrosion, and then all the beams were subjected to the four-point bending test. Special attention was directed to the cracking propagation and failure patterns, load-deflection, load-strain of concrete and steel strand, ductility and flexural capacity of the test beams. The experimental results show that the flexural behavior of the test beams deteriorates with the corrosion degree of prestressed strands, especially when the corrosion degree exceeds 2 %. When the corrosion degree is 8.42 %, the failure pattern of crushing of compressed concrete is changed to the rupture of the wires. The corrosion effects on the load-strain of steel strands depend on corrosion loss, strand position and loading stress state. Corrosion of steel strands reduces the compressive strain of concrete at the same compression position and the ultimate strain of the prestressed strands at the position of beam end. Finally, a numerical model is proposed, which can provide accurate and effective predictions of the failure pattern and flexural capacity of the corroded post-tensioned T-shaped beam.