A simplified method for risk assessment of surface damage of marine reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

For marine reinforced concrete (RC) structures under chloride-attack, the risks of member surface damage can be evaluated using random field analysis method, considering the spatial variations of durability parameters. However, the random field analysis method requires high computational cost and advanced skills, and is not feasible for engineering practice. Recognizing this difficulty, a simplified method is proposed in this paper based on the statistical characteristics of time to corrosion initiation and surface damage. The new method establishes the mappings between the probabilities of member surface damage and the probability (or reliability index) of corrosion initiation at the same age. Thus, engineers and decision-makers can estimate the risk of surface damage through reliability index of corrosion initiation, with the latter can be obtained relatively easily. Probabilistic analysis for the durability performance of a RC slab serviced in marine environment is performed to demonstrate the method. The accuracy of the proposed method is examined through the comparison with the random field simulation method and experimental results in literature.