Impact of Corrosion on the Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Buildings

Corrosion significantly contributes to the deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This work investigates its impact on the seismic behaviour of RC buildings. A simplified numerical simulation strategy was developed and validated, analysing two columns with corrosion rates of 0% and 20%, based on existing experimental research found in the literature. Subsequently, five distinct scenarios were developed, incorporating various corrosion rates of 0%, 10%, and 20%, applied to a structure designed in accordance with the Eurocode 8. Nonlinear pushover analyses were conducted to derive capacity curves and bilinear curves, focusing on key parameters such as maximum strength and corresponding drift, initial stiffness, secant stiffness, yield force and drift. Displacement and drift profiles per floor were analysed at the significant damage performance point (SD). The results indicate a clear negative impact of corrosion on structural performance, evidenced by reduced capacity to withstand deformations and lateral forces, alongside an increased likelihood of damage to non-structural elements.