Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of Corroded Q345 and Q420 Structural Steels

This study investigated the residual mechanical behavior of Q345 and Q420 structural steels after corrosion. Firstly, the tensile specimens were corroded in an acid solution until the weight loss rate reached 20%, 30%, and 40%. The corroded specimens were then subjected to axial tensile experiments to observe the tensile fracture behavior and obtain the engineering stress–strain curves. The effects of corrosion on stress–strain curves, failure modes, tensile strength, and ductility were analyzed and discussed. The strength and ductility of Q345 and Q420 structural steel dropped sharply after corrosion. In addition, a constitutive model of Q345 and Q420 structural steels with different mass loss rates was established. Based on the test data, empirical equations were proposed to predict the residual strength and ductility of corroded Q345 and Q420 structural steels.

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