Performance evaluation of single-cell precast concrete segmental beams under accelerated corrosion and direct load: numerical and experimental investigation

Experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to evaluate the structural performance of deteriorated single-cell precast concrete segmental beam PCSB. The present paper examines how corrosion-induced deterioration affects the structural performance of precast concrete segmental beams with keyed-dry joints under direct concentrated load. In order to correct the deteriorated segment strength loss, rehabilitation using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer CFRP sheets instead of costly replacement of segments was also studied. Three segmental beam specimens each with dimensions of 300 × 300 × 1800 mm with a hollow cross Sect. 180 × 180 mm were cast and tested under the combined effect of accelerated corrosion and direct load. The adopted variables included the presence or absence of damage (corrosion) and lateral strengthening by CFRP sheets. All tested beam specimens were clamped at the ends, then the middle segments were loaded by applying direct vertical load along the longitudinal axis. It was concluded that 18% mass loss of reinforced steel bars causes a noticeable degradation of concrete strength and structural integrity, leading to a decrease in the first cracking and ultimate load carrying capacity by about 57% and 25%, respectively. Also, the strengthening of the damaged segment by CFRP sheets improved the first cracking and ultimate strength load by about 23% and 28%, respectively. The finite element analysis using ABAQUS software achieved good agreement results with the experimental. Wrapping with CFRP-high tensile strength strips restricted dilation of cracks and offered significant improvement in restoring structural integrity and enhancing load-carrying capacity. Rehabilitation is essential to ensuring these structures’ functionality and safety.