Seismic damage estimation of reinforced concrete framed structures affected by chloride-induced corrosion

A methodology for estimation of statistical properties (viz. mean and standard deviation) of the expected seismic damage to reinforced concrete framed structures subject to corrosion of reinforcement, over a specified reference time (typically the service life of the structure) is proposed in this paper. The damage to the structure under the earthquake loading is characterised by the damage index, determined using the modified Park and Ang damage model. The reduction in area, yield strength and strain at ultimate of steel reinforcement, and the reduction in compressive strength of cover concrete due to corrosion are taken into account in the estimation of damage. The proposed methodology is illustrated through an example problem. From the results obtained, it is noted that there is an increase of about 70% in the mean value of expected seismic damage to the reinforced concrete frame considered over a reference time of 30 years when effect of corrosion is taken into consideration. This indicates that there is a need to consider the effect of corrosion of reinforcement on the estimation of expected seismic damage.