Long-Term Seismic Performance of RC Bridge Piers in an Aggressive Marine Environment

Abstract

For structures located in a moderately or highly aggressive environment, multiple environmental and mechanical stressors lead to deterioration of structural performance and, therefore, create maintenance issues. Such deterioration will reduce the service life of structures. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss a methodology previously proposed by the writers for the evaluation of long-term seismic reliability of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers in a marine environment and present new results. This methodology consists of three steps: (1) investigate the relationship between material deterioration and structural performance on an experimental basis; (2) consider both the seismic hazard and the hazard associated with marine environment; and (3) perform an analysis of the long-term seismic performance of RC bridge piers in an aggressive marine environment.