Experimental evaluation of the shear buckling behaviors of corrugated webs with artificial corrosion pits

Abstract Fifteen corrugated steel web I–beams were designed to investigate the shear buckling behavior and shear strength of corrugated steel webs with artificial corrosion pits. Different corrosion height, depth, and pit diameter, were considered in the shear loading tests. Critical buckling load and ultimate strength were compared with those calculated by existing formulas. In addition, Failure modes were discussed. Test results showed that corrosion volume decreased by 8% and bearing capacity decreased by nearly half compared with no corrosion. All corrugated steel webs were evenly sheared before the critical load was reached. Before reaching ultimate strength, the curve of vertical displacements and load is linear and the slope was affected by the corrosion. Perforation affected the failure modes of corrugated steel webs. Existing formulas yielded accurate and reliable results for uncorroded corrugated steel webs but cannot be used in the evaluation of the bearing capacity of corroded specimens. Corrosion volume, which was nonlinearly related to bearing capacity, was identified as an important factor that affects bearing capacity. Thus, corrosion volume must be considered in accordance with the actual working situation of corrugated steel webs. Future research should focus on the effect of perforation location and corrosion volume on ultimate strength to develop reliable designs for corrugated steel webs.