Abstract
The goal of the present study is to mention the importance of underestimation of the corrosion damage developed in critical load bearing areas, on the column bases, where formation of plastic hinges is attended, mainly during strong seismic events (Figure 1). In such cases, plastic hinges are expected to absorb the seismic energy, owed to seismic vibration. However, chloride induced corrosion is responsible for significant degradation of concrete infrastructures located in coastal areas. Forecasting the life expectancy of such structures, in corrosive environments, is a challenge in engineering, given the fact that existing internal, external, as well as subcutaneous defects, in combination with the aggressive environmental factors, may be responsible for the development of subcutaneous damage on steel reinforcement [1], which may diminish the tolerance of the critical regions of the structures. Moreover, it is widely known that penetration of chloride ions into reinforced concrete varies according to its porosity and its permeability, however, the major factor for corrosion initiation is the threshold of chloride concentration, which strongly depends on the exposed surface area of steel. In the present experimental study, the variation of corrosion damage, on bare specimens, was evaluated and correlated with the geometry of the exposed surface of steel in corrosion [2]. Finally, a correlation between short bare specimens and the “injured” areas of the long embedded specimens is estimated as well.
Highlights
Safety of structures is generally related to the expected service life, according to established standards and methods
Corrosion of steel reinforcement in splash and tidal zones contributes to the dramatic reduction of plastic deformation and diminishes the expectations for the development of plastic hinges in the corroded regions of the structures, especially under intense seismic events
It should be noted that unexpected intense earthquakes in combination with the non-uniformity of corrosion development on the steel reinforcement at different zones- may trigger the formation of plastic hinges at non-expected regions of the RC elements as well [11]
Summary
Safety of structures is generally related to the expected service life, according to established standards and methods As it has been stated in the CEB-FIP Model Code (1990), “Concrete structures shall be designed, constructed and operated in such a way that, under the expected environmental influences, they maintain their safety, serviceability and acceptable appearance during an explicit or implicit period of time without requiring unforeseen high costs for maintenance and repair” [1]. Corrosion progress is encouraged by existing internal and external defects, the synergy of which results in corrosion paths creation [7]. This process results in formation of expansive corrosion products (rust) around the reinforcement. The quantity of corrosion products has been related to the risk of corrosion-induced cracking of the concrete cover [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
