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.