Experimental Investigation on Seismic Performance of Non-Uniformly Corroded RC Moment-Resisting Frames

To investigate the effect of non-uniform corrosion on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures, seven RC frame specimens, including one uncorroded and six corroded frames, were tested under quasi-static loading. The damage modes, force–displacement hysteresis curves and skeleton curves, stiffness degradation, ductility and the energy dissipation capacity of specimens were studied. The influences of the corrosion degree, non-uniform corrosion characteristic value, and axial compression ratio on the seismic performance of the specimens were analyzed. The test results show that non-uniform corrosion of longitudinal bars has a significant effect on the development of seismic damage in RC frames. In comparison with non-corroded RC frames, the loading carrying capacity of corroded frames with non-uniform corrosion characteristics values of 0.18, 0.59, and 0.72 decreased by 8.5%, 14.8%, and 22.3%, the displacement ductility ratios decreased by 6.7%, 8.7%, and 10.0%, and the total cumulative energy dissipation at ultimate displacement values decreased by 24%, 41%, and 54%. For corroded frames with low axial compressive ratios, the loading carrying capacity and energy dissipation capacity rose with the increase in the axial compression ratio.