Concrete half-joints: Corrosion damage analysis with numerical simulation

Half-joints denote the structural part identified by the reduced end of a beam (nib) supported by nibs of the adjacent beam or abutment. Their particular geometry introduces several benefits that explain their widespread use in existing concrete bridges. However, it is also the cause of crucial aspects that are nowadays aiming attention: Inspections are almost impossible and water can infiltrate and accumulate in the supporting nib, enhancing chloride concentration and the prospect of steel corrosion. In this study, the aspect of reinforcement corrosion is analysed in terms of loss of reinforcement cross-sectional area and decrease in steel ductility, providing important achievements that can be of support in defining the residual strength of deteriorated half-joints. Numerical simulations are carried on one laboratory test and one existing case study half-joint.