Finite element investigation of the structural response of corroded RC beams

Rebar corrosion is the most commonly observed deterioration mechanism in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, severely affecting their performance and potentially resulting in premature in-service failures. In this paper, the structural performance of a series of RC beams–damaged by corrosion at different locations–is studied numerically using two-dimensional (2D) non-linear FE analysis (NLFEA). The FE models are developed for the corrosion damaged RC members and validated using experimental data. The results of a parametric study are presented, which examined the influence of concrete compressive strength (fc), bond deterioration and corrosion damage in the compressive region of the beams on the predicted response. The importance of system based models, incorporating key aspects of corrosion related damage, is highlighted and discussed in relation to both strength and serviceability requirements.