Finite element analysis of corroded reinforced concrete beams subjected to service loads

This paper presents results of a numerical study that examined the flexural behavior of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Two‐dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) models were built and analyzed using DIANA FE analysis software. A simplified approach was implemented in the FE models to simulate the damage induced by corrosion to reduce the computational efforts. The numerical analyses were validated with experimental tests of large‐scale and small‐scale RC beams subjected to the coupled effects of corrosion and different levels of service loads. The predicted response was in good agreement with test results in terms of failure modes, residual ultimate load capacity, and ductility. The validated FE models were then used to conduct a parametric study for cases that were not covered in the experimental program, including the level of corrosion, level of service loads, strength of concrete, and tensile reinforcement ratio. This investigation showed that increasing service load levels of corroded beams caused a further reduction in ultimate load capacity and ductility. Moreover, increasing the tensile reinforcement ratio had a significant impact on improving the load‐carrying capacity of corroded RC beams.