Mechano-electrochemical modelling of corroded steel structures

A numerical methodology is established to study the mechano-electrochemical performance of corroded steel structures under external and internal stresses. Results show that mechanical stimuli (elastic/plastic deformation) increase the local anodic current density, and thus the corrosion behavior dynamically responds to the loading conditions. The current density increment for a multi-component stress system is largely dependent on both hydrostatic pressure and equivalent plastic strain. Moreover, the mechano-electrochemical corrosion is more affected by plastic deformation, resulting in localized areas being more anodic. Existing corrosion introduces extra stress/strain concentration, which further reduces the structural strength capacity and intensifies the corrosion damage.