Corrosion characteristics of Q690qE high-strength bridge steel in simulated coastal–industrial environment and its influence on mechanical and corrosion fatigue behaviors

The corrosion behavior of Q690qE high-strength bridge steel in simulated coastal–industrial environment was investigated through accelerated corrosion, and the corrosion features under different corrosion times were characterized. The effect of pre-corrosion level on mechanical and corrosion fatigue behaviors was also studied by using pre-corroded fatigue samples. Results show that corrosion pits were more likely to form in this environment, with chloride ions concentrating at the bottom of the pits, resulting in significant loss of the mechanical property and corrosion fatigue life. The corrosion fatigue initiation mechanism was proposed, and a prediction model for the residual corrosion fatigue life of corroded Q690qE steel was developed.