Structural capacity assessment of corroded RC bridge piers

A new numerical model is developed that enables simulation of the non-linear flexural response of reinforced concrete (RC) components and sections with corroded reinforcement. The numerical model employs a displacement-based beam–column element using the classical Hermitian shape function. Material non-linearity is accounted for by updating element stiffness matrices using the moment–curvature response of the element section considering uniform stiffness over the element. The cover concrete strength is adjusted to account for corrosion-induced cover cracking and the core confined concrete strength and ductility are adjusted to account for corrosion-induced damage to the transverse reinforcement. The numerical model is validated against a benchmark experiment on a corroded RC column subject to lateral cyclic loading. The verified model is then used to explore the impact of corrosion on the inelastic response and the residual capacity of corroded RC sections. The results show that considering the effect of corrosion damage on RC sections changes the failure mode of RC columns.