Structural behaviour of axially loaded corroded low-strength RC columns with different confinement ratios

Abstract

Many ageing structures in earthquake-prone regions are vulnerable to failure by seismic actions resulting from poor detailing, environmental degradation and quality of materials used. Insufficient column confinement and corrosion of the embedded rebars have been identified as some of the problems with structures in such environments leading to severe damage during earthquakes. This paper presents summary of the result of an experimental investigation on low-strength reinforced concrete (RC) columns with different confinement levels and varying degrees of corrosion. The experiment was done on 20 short RC columns (10 squares and 10 circulars) with two confinements ratios and steel corrosion loss (0% to 30%) subjected to monotonic axial load. The result showed that the axial load-carrying capacity and ductility of corroded RC columns reduced with increased in the corrosion mass loss ratios.