Stability performance of corroded circular steel tube under eccentric compression

This study examines the stability behavior of corroded circular steel tubes (CST) under eccentric compression. Accelerated corrosion testing is utilized to obtain 12 CST with different corrosion degree, and 3D scanning technology is then applied to analyze the surface corrosion characteristics of the CST members. Eccentric compression tests are performed on the CST members to assess the impact of corrosion on the stability behavior. A finite element (FE) method with corrosion characteristics, based on the 3D reverse reconstructed method and surface corrosion characteristics, is developed for the prediction of buckling response of corroded CST. Corrosion weakens the mechanical properties of Q345B steel, progressively shortening or eliminating the yield plateau of stress-strain curves. When the corrosion rate reaches 21.47%, the ultimate load and local buckling load of the CST members drop by 44.99% and 43.44%, respectively. Uniform corrosion primarily affects the bearing capacity (BCP) of CST members, while the failure mode of CST is significantly influenced by local corrosion. Current specifications are inaccuracy for the BCP of corroded CST under eccentric compression as they do not consider the impact of local corrosion. A new formula modified from current specification is developed to accurately predict the BCP of CST members after corrosion.