Title:
Application of Probabilistic Methods to Analysis of Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Structures Affected by Steel Corrosion
Author(s):
I. Petre-Lazar, G. Heinfling, J. Marchand, and B. Gerard
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
192
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
557-572
Keywords:
accelerating agents; corrosion; reinforced concretes
DOI:
10.14359/5771
Date:
4/1/2000
Abstract:
A wide range of parameters influences the degradation of reinforced concrete structures by steel corrosion. Many of these factors, such as the severity of the surrounding environments, the thickness of the concrete cover and the characteristics of the materials used for the construction of the structure, can be quite variable in nature. This intrinsic variability has to be accounted for in any predictions of the service life of the structure. Using a deterministic model and the FORM/SORM method, a probabilistic analysis of the long-term behavior of reinforced concrete structures affected by steel corrosion was performed. The results yielded by such an analysis can be used to assess the remaining service life of the structure and elaborate a maintenance and repair strategy. This probabilistic approach can also be used to perform sensitivity analyses and evaluate the relative importance of various factors on the degradation process.