Ultimate strength of corroded web-core sandwich beams

The corrosive marine environment is a threat to the ultimate strength of steel sandwich structures. Therefore, ultimate strength experiments were carried out in three-point bending for beams with different corrosion exposure times, i.e. one and two years. Standard laser-welded web-core sandwich beams are studied and different corrosion protection systems are considered. The beams experienced general corrosion. The thickness reduction in unprotected plates and laser welds is around the typical 0.1 mm/year. This led to an ultimate strength reduction of 10% and 17% for beams with exposure times of one and two years, respectively. The experimental ultimate strength is in agreement with finite element simulations. The ultimate strength was maintained for the beams protected with coating or closed-cell polyurethane (PU) foam.

► Influence of corrosion on ultimate strength of steel sandwich beams is presented.
► The experimental ultimate strength is in agreement with FEA based on reduced geometry.
► Strength of steel sandwich beams can be maintained with corrosion protection.