Seismic Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Combined Special Actions

The study addresses the seismic resistance of reinforced concrete columns that have been damaged by the corrosion of their steel reinforcement and the concrete itself, and that have experienced the effects of high temperatures resulting from fire. Reinforced concrete framed buildings are common in earthquake-prone regions. Such structures have a lifespan of several decades. Consequently, corrosion of the concrete and steel reinforcement is commonplace throughout their service life, particularly in coastal regions. This corrosion decreases the structures' load-bearing capacity and seismic resistance. High temperatures resulting from fires are something that such reinforced concrete framed structures are often exposed to. This study proposes and experimentally validates a design model for evaluating the load-bearing capacity and seismic resistance of such columns in buildings that have been damaged by corrosion and subsequently exposed to high temperatures. It provides a basis for assessing the safety and risk of reinforced concrete framed structures subjected to combined accidental actions, such as corrosion, high temperatures from fires, and seismic impacts.