ABSTRACT

In this paper the impact of corrosion of reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete (RC) columns on the seismic fragility of a multi-span concrete integral bridge is explored. A new constitutive model for corroded reinforcing steel is used. This model simulates the buckling of longitudinal reinforcement under cyclic loading and the impact of corrosion on buckling strength. Cover concrete strength is adjusted to account for corrosion induced damage and core concrete strength and ductility are adjusted to account for corrosion induced damage to transverse reinforcement. This study evaluates the impact of chloride induced corrosion of the reinforced concrete columns on the seismic fragility of the bridge. Fragility curves are developed at a various time intervals over the lifetime of the bridge. The results of this study show that the bridge fragility in creases significantly with corrosion.