Interrelation among Service Life, Reliability Index, and Costs of Concrete Structures Subjected to Aggressive Exposure

Abstract

The combined impact of the service life and relevant reliability level of structures on the financial and environmental aspects of infrastructure building has not yet been given full consideration. The decision of the client regarding the optimal service life and associated level of reliability is needed. A suitable approach is presented in the context of limit states associated with durability. The reliability assessment is effectively performed by employing stochastic methods. Predictive mathematical models for material degradation are utilized. Some user-friendly tools and numerical studies for concrete structures show how the necessary data about service life and reliability level can be gained; in this way good design practice in the construction industry and effective decision-making processes are supported. Two numerical examples are presented, as follows: (1) an analysis of initiation period with consideration given to the carbonation effect (a compromise between the service life and the reliability index is studied), and (2) an example of a concrete structure manufactured from concretes of different quality and exposed to chloride ion ingress.