Strength prediction of corrosion reinforced concrete columns strengthened with concrete filled steel tube under axial compression

Twenty-two corrosion-damaged columns were simulated through accelerated steel corrosion tests. Eight specimens were directly tested to failure under axial load, and the remaining specimens were tested after concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) strengthening. This study aimed to investigate the damage of RC columns after corrosion and their restoration and enhancement after strengthening. The research parameters included different corrosion degrees of RC columns, diameter-to-thickness ratio of steel tube and the strengthening concrete strength. Experimental results showed that CFST strengthening method could change the failure mode of corrosion-damaged RC columns from brittleness to ductility. In addition to the bearing capacity provided by the strengthening materials, it can also provide an extra 26.7% amplification because of the effective confinement provided by steel tubes. The influence of corrosion on reinforcement and concrete was quantitatively analysed and considered in the design formula. The proposed formula accurately predicted the bearing capacity of the strengthened columns with a maximum error of only 7.68%.