Finite element analysis of concrete circular pole substation structures under coupling action of carbonization-corrosion-load

Abstract

With regard to a full open-air environment and load coupling effect, it is very necessary to study the safety assessment of existing concrete circular pole substation structures. In this paper, based on the on-site inspection and numerical simulation, the parametric theoretical analysis of the single-span non-lateral support frame is carried out for typical concrete substation structures in service, and the influence of four factors, including concrete strength, protective layer thickness, steel corrosion, and carbonation depth, on the bearing capacity of the frame is mainly discussed. The research results show that the substation structures with different damage levels meet the requirements but are associated with considerable safety risks. The research helps us understand the damage mechanism of the circular pole substation structures and the broken ring of the cross beam possesses a typical brittle characteristic; the frame bearing capacity is positively related to concrete strength, protective layer thickness, reinforcement diameter, and there is fluctuation and little difference in carbonization depth. The order of structural sensitivity is Reinforcement corrosion → outer diameter dimension (thickness of the protective layer) → concrete strength.