Experimental study on seismic behavior of corroded H-shaped steel columns under neutral salt spray environment

The effects of corrosion on the failure mode, bearing capacity, deformation, ductility and energy consumption of H-shaped steel columns were studied by low cycle reversed load tests of seven corroded H-shaped steel columns. The results show that the flange and web deformation range and buckling center of the corroded specimens decrease and for some of the specimens the buckling center are reduced by 30%. With the increase of mass loss rate, the degree of fullness of hysteresis loops becomes increasingly smaller. The bearing capacity of the specimen decreases obviously. The displacement ductility coefficient and cumulative hysteretic energy consumption decrease continuously. Based on the experimental data, the degradation model of displacement ductility coefficient of corroded H-shaped steel columns and the relationship between cumulative hysteretic energy consumption and number of cycles are established. The corrosion results in the reduction of the cross-section area of the specimens, and the pitting corrosion leads to stress concentration which consequently weakens the plastic deformation ability. Under repeated loading, the plastic deformation accumulates, and the buckling deformation leads to the decrease of bearing capacity and seismic performance. © 2019, Editorial Office of Journal of Building Structures. All right reserved.