Capacity assessment of corroded reinforced concrete frames subjected to differential ground settlements

Differential ground settlements often cause serious structural damage in Reinforced Concrete (RC) buildings. The load capacity of RC buildings can be further reduced due to durability problems. Rein-forcement corrosion can produce a shift of the collapse mechanism from ductile to brittle modes. The aim of this work is to investigate the structural response of a typical Italian RC framed building from the ‘60s, under the combined effects of differential ground settlements and material degradation. To this end, nonlinear finite element analyses are performed at different assessment times, with consider-ation of different damage scenarios. The response evolution over time is described through significant structural parameters that can be easily monitored through SHM systems.