Effect of corrosion degradation on ultimate strength of steel box girders

This paper presents an experimental study on the effect of corrosion degradation on the ultimate strength of corroded steel box girders. Two specimens, built as box girders, were immersed in natural sea water in a harbour. After corrosion, the box girder sections were tested under four-point loading, producing a constant bending moment until collapse. The effect of corrosion degradation on the ultimate strength of the box girder is analysed, and dissipated energy, compliance, ductility and elastic limit are verified and discussed. A significant reduction in the stiffness, stress-strain relationship and elastic modulus was observed.