Nonlinear finite element modeling of bridge piers under the combined effect of corrosion, freeze–thaw cycles, and service load

Abstract Corrosion of reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete (RC) infrastructure is one of the most concerning durability problems affecting its serviceability and ultimate capacity in North America. The rise of greenhouse emissions in recent decades and the use of de‐icing salts during the winter increase the potential risk of corrosion. Furthermore, global warming could lead to higher freeze–thaw cycles (FTC) frequency in cold regions. The combined effects of corrosion and frost damage tend to affect aging RC infrastructure's structural performance and service life. The present study adopts comprehensive reinforcement corrosion and frost damage models from the literature and proposes a stage‐based damage analysis scenario. Three‐dimensional nonlinear finite element analyses using the commercially available finite element program DIANA are conducted to evaluate the structural performance of RC bridge piers under the synergetic effects of FTCs, corrosion, and service load during their service life. The proposed methodology for each damage mechanism is assessed by comparison with available experimental data from the literature. The synergetic effects cannot be validated because there is no data, but the methodology highlights the deterioration rate at which several mechanisms acting at the same time can affect the structural performance of these members.