Abstract
Thin-walled steel structures are renowned for their high strength-to-weight ratio; however, they are particularly prone to degradation from mechanical imperfections and chemical processes. The limited thickness of these structures amplifies their vulnerability to corrosion, especially in acidic environments. This study examines the synergistic effects of mechanical dents and chemical corrosion on the buckling capacity of thin-walled cylindrical steel shells made from 0.45 mm-thick galvanized steel sheets. To maintain structural realism, an r/t ratio of 445 was achieved through precise cutting, while dents of varying sizes (t, 2t, 3t), where t represents the shell's thickness, were introduced to simulate mechanical imperfections. The chemical interactions were rigorously investigated, focusing on the microstructural changes triggered by 2.5 and 5% HCl solutions, which led to oxidation, material loss, and subsequent reductions in mechanical stability. Weight loss measurements confirmed the material degradation, with corrosion effects correlating to increased dent sizes, further exacerbating structural vulnerability. The findings revealed that both dent severity and corrosion level significantly influenced the buckling capacity, demonstrating the critical interplay between mechanical and chemical factors. This study provides insights into the degradation mechanisms in thin-walled steel structures, offering a foundation for improved material resilience and corrosion mitigation strategies in engineering applications.