Modelling of corroded RC members subjected to four point bending test: A numerical study

Abstract

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) buildings are confronted with a wide range of environmental variables and consequences during their service life. Corrosion of steel reinforcement is the most common deteriorating process of Reinforced Concrete (RC) members. It is often regarded as one of the negative factors contributing to the deterioration of serviceability and durability. In general, numerous computations, mathematical simulations, and finite element models are used to determine the effects of reinforcement corrosion on the structural behaviour of RC members. Despite abundant experimental methods, accelerated corrosion tests are often adopted to save the resources and time necessary for conducting corrosion. In this paper, the modelling of corrosion in reinforced concrete members is performed using finite element (FE) software ATENA -GiD. The predominant aim is to analyze the strength reduction of corroded RC slabs subjected to a four-point bend test. The results obtained from the FE model prepared are compared with the experimental results obtained from the accelerated corrosion test and analytical results from the literature. Numerical ultimate load capacity and theoretical ultimate load capacity values are approximately 95 to 98 per cent accurate. It was concluded that the prepared FE model can be utilized to understand the behaviour of corroded RC slabs under four-point bending. The model can be utilized for different types and grades of concrete as well as reinforcement.