Seismic Performance Assessment of Corroded Reinforced Concrete Columns Based on Codal Provision and Empirical Formulations

Corrosion is a major threat to the early degradation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This deterioration leads to a reduction in the overall ductility and load-carrying capacity of RC structures. In RC structures, columns play a crucial role as columns take both structural and seismic loads. When columns are affected by corrosion and subjected to seismic events simultaneously, columns may collapse suddenly. This sudden failure poses risks to human beings as well as the surrounding environment. Hence, evaluating the residual capacity of corroded RC columns is essential to implement preventive and rehabilitation measures before a catastrophic failure occurs. The objective of the current study was to assess the performance and reliability of existing design guidelines and analytical models in estimating the residual lateral load-carrying capacity of corroded RC columns. A dataset containing 157 rectangular corroded RC columns was analyzed using various design guidelines and analytical models, and their performances were evaluated using performance indices. Among all the design guidelines and analytical models, the EM-3 model (GB 50010–2010 design guideline) and the EM-7 model respectively demonstrated superior performance. Moreover, the EM-7 model excelled among all the considered design guidelines and analytical models, revealing significant values for various performance indices.