Validation of nonlinear finite element analysis of corroded RC/PC beams based on experimental tests

This paper deals with computational modeling and experimental validation of nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PC) structures under corrosion. Structural modeling is developed with different levels of complexity using RC/PC beam finite elements accounting for the material nonlinearities and bi-dimensional finite elements for plane stress analysis formulated in accordance with the Modified Compression Field Theory. The proposed approaches are validated based on the results of experimental tests on corroded RC beams, as well as collected from an experimental campaign conducted on PC deck beams of a decommissioned 50-year-old bridge.