Title: Spatial variability-based corrosion risk assessment and strategy of repair and maintenance for RC structures

Authors: Xiao-Zhou Wang, Wei-Liang Jin

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P.R. China. ' Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P.R. China

Abstract: A corrosion risk assessment model (CRAM) of reinforced concrete structures subjected to marine environment is presented. The spatial variability of parameters, which are decisive for the durability performance, is modelled probabilistically in terms of sample statistics, which may be assessed by testing of existing structures. The result of the chloride profile test is suggested to update the input model parameters for future structural condition prediction. The requirements to the service life performance are formulated in terms of the probability that the structure will be in a certain condition class after a given service time. Further, it is demonstrated how optimal strategies for repair and maintenance of concrete structure subject to chloride ingress can be determined on the basis of corrosion risk classes. The present method to plan optimal repair strategy is illustrated by an assessment case. For structures with large concrete surface exposed to chloride-laden environment, both spatial and temporal characteristics of deterioration are suggested to consider in condition assessment based on field inspection.

Keywords: corrosion risk; risk assessment; spatial variability; optimal strategy; chloride ingress; reinforced concrete; concrete structures; marine environment; service life performance; structural repair; structural maintenance; seawater.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIC.2009.027071

International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control, 2009 Vol.7 No.2, pp.171 - 178

Published online: 14 Jul 2009 *

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