An analytical study on residual performance of reinforced concrete half-joints subjected to corrosion in different zones

Reinforced concrete bridges with half-joints were popular and have lasted for many decades. Aging problems therefore have come into consideration. Deteriorations arising in different zones have specific influences. To highlight this aspect, a discrete-mesoscopic simulation called rigid body spring model (RBSM) was utilized to explain the mechanisms and criticalities of corrosion damage locally occurring in each zone on an RC half-joint. The simulation models with corrosion modeling techniques were verified by reproducing the reference experiments and further used to simulate a corrosion in each zone on an RC half-joint. The simulations of the case study reveal that the re-entrant corner zone and full-depth shear zone are critical. Modes of failure deviate depending on degrees of corrosion and damaged areas. However, the fundamental mode of failure governs the ultimate state if the existing components properly execute their roles.