Effects of Corrosion and Fatigue on the Load-Carrying Capacity of Structural andReinforcing Steel

摘要

Pitting and crevice corrosion have profound effects on the fatigue life ofstructural and reinforcing steels used in bridge construction. Stress concentration factors were measured on actual corroded plates with strain gage instrumentation. Using corrosion rates and pitting ratios for immersion, intermittent immersion and various atmospheric environments from the corrosion literature, a unified equation for corrosion fatigue of structural steels is proposed to determine the number of stress cycles to significant crack formation. The predictive equations developed in this report are very useful in the determination of load-carrying capacity and fatigue damage of bridges. These factors are integral to the planning of improvements and maintenance, the granting of overload permits, and for maximum load rating of bridges.