Corrosion effects on the dissipative performance of critical regions of RC frame systems

The influence of degradation phenomena on the dissipative performance of critical regions of reinforced concrete moment-resisting frame structures is investigated through the execution of in-depth numerical analyses reproducing corrosion effects. The model proposed by the Authors in a previous research paper, calibrated using the results of a wide experimental campaign on real-scale substructures, is used for simulating the seismic/cyclic behaviour of plastic hinge regions in correspondence of beam-to-column joints and base-column joints, considering different typologies of reinforcing bars. Corrosion effects were considered in terms of degradation of the mechanical properties of materials (both rebars – longitudinal and transversal, and concrete), confinement deterioration and modification of the bond-stress law as function of the corrosion entity. Results are presented comparing the reference with the different corroded conditions, providing a rational and consistent analysis of corrosion effects in terms of damage, modification of failure modality, material and bond/slip performance.