Abstract
Rebars corrosion phenomena can modify the structural behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) members and consequently the seismic performance of RC structures. Since many existing RC structures are affected by this phenomenon, the influence of the reinforcement corrosion on the seismic performance is still under examination, especially when the corrosive attack is localized in the dissipative areas of the plastic hinges. In this work, the effect of localized corrosion is numerically investigated, through the adoption of a suitable finite element model, object of validation with the outcomes of an experimental campaign carried out in the Laboratory of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, on un-corroded and corroded RC columns subjected to axial load and cyclic horizontal actions. Particular attention has been paid to the definition of the three-dimensional model and to the modelling of the corroded rebars and their corrosion morphology. Indeed, different modelling strategies are proposed with the aim to properly simulate the cyclic behaviour of the corroded columns. The main results show how more refined strategies taking into account the morphological aspects of the corrosion phenomenon produce a better fit with the experimental results for both Damage Control and Life Safety limit states performance.
Highlights
Reinforced concrete (RC) columns play a fundamental role on the seismic performance of the concrete structure, as they represent its main force-transmitting element
Since many existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures are affected by this phenomenon, the influence of the reinforcement corrosion on the seismic performance is still under examination, especially when the corrosive attack is localized in the dissipative areas of the plastic hinges
The cyclic behaviour of RC columns subjected to localized corrosion in the plastic hinge regions was investigated through Finite Element (FE) modelling and non-linear analyses
Summary
Reinforced concrete (RC) columns play a fundamental role on the seismic performance of the concrete structure, as they represent its main force-transmitting element. Steel bars in concrete are naturally exposed to a high pH environment, which allows the formation of a protective passivating film. As a consequence of a decrease of the pH value or of a high concentration of chloride ions, this protective film can undergo to a disruption, causing the trigger of the corrosion process of the steel reinforcement. In presence of localized concentrations of chlorides, pitting corrosion of the steel bars occur, with a localized reduction of the bar section through pits, affecting its internal layers. These phenomena represent a cause of concern for several RC buildings, when low strength concrete is used. The formation of expansive corrosion products induces concrete cracking and high stresses, affecting the bond behaviour between concrete and steel bars [3,4,5,6]
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