ABSTRACT
This study investigates the performance degradation of a corroded three-storey reinforced concrete frame structure exposed to marine atmospheric environment for 15 years in Qingdao, China. Maximum crack widths were measured to estimate corresponding corrosion degrees of steel bars in each structural component, quantitatively characterizing the impacts on mechanical properties of steel bars and cross-sectional dimensions of concrete. Finite element pushover analysis was conducted on the corroded reinforced concrete structure, revealing an approximate 21% reduction of lateral load-bearing capacity, significant declines in initial stiffness and ductility, and notable decreases in cracking loads after being in service for 15 years. These findings reveal performance degradation rules of corroded reinforced concrete frame structure and offer essential theoretical support for subsequent in-situ loading test of the structure.
