Performance of Corroded Piles Subjected to Eccentric Loads Before and After Repair

Phase I of this project focused on assessment and repair of corroded steel piles subjected to concentric axial loads. This project will investigate the axial load capacity of corroded H-piles subjected to 10% and 30% eccentric loads. Five full-scale piles will be machined to create different corrosion scenarios and then the specimens will be subjected to monotonic eccentric loads until failure occurred. Furthermore, five full-scale specimens having different corroded sections will be repaired using fiber reinforced polymer wrapping and subjected to eccentric axial loads. The performance of the tested piles will be further investigated using finite element models. A parametric study will be also carried out.

"This project will be matched through an ongoing MoDOT project. All data created during this project will be shared with MoDOT engineers. Furthermore, the results and conclusions of the investigated piles will be published in peer-reviewed journal papers and presented at TRB. The PI will also present the results through MATC seminar series. "

H-Piles is a common structural element in the Midwest of the United States. Many of those piles are severally corroded. For example, Missouri has 80 bridges suffering from quite severe section losses in their H-piles that was enough to limit their traffic loads. This research determines an optimum repair technique for those piles and hence increase the safety and resiliency of those bridges which is important for the economy of the state and prosperity of Missourians.

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