Remaining moment capacity of corroded steel beams

Abstract

Steel structures are subjected to corrosion due to environmental exposure and inadequate maintenance. As a result, the carrying capacity and hence the level of safety of this structures diminishes with time due to accumulation of corrosion damage (e.g. section loss). For the assessment of the remaining moment capacity of corrosion damaged I-beams, two methods have been proposed in this paper based on the thickness loss data were compiled from four corroded damaged I-beams, namely the simple and accurate assessment methods. These methods give the quantitative relationship between the magnitude of structural defects (loss of thickness) and the corresponding remaining moment capacity (expressed as percentage of the as-new strength) of corrosion damaged beams. These methods require only the information regarding thickness loss of the appropriate elements of the members (flanges and web) and the capacity of the beam in its as-new condition, to assess the remaining moment capacity of a corrosion damaged beam. The thickness loss information can be provided by visual inspection or thickness measurement of a member. These assessment methods will help the practicing engineer to make a fast and reliable decision regarding the remaining moment capacity of corrosion damaged I-beam.