Time-Dependent Reliability Method to Assess the Serviceability of Corrosion-Affected Concrete Structures

Corrosion induced structural failures do not necessarily imply structural collapse but in most cases are manifested by loss of structural serviceability, characterized by concrete cracking and the excessive deflection. This paper attempts to develop a performance-based methodology for serviceability assessment of corrosion affected concrete structures. Methods of time-dependent reliability are employed to quantify the probability of serviceability failure. A merit of the developed methodology is that the structural response is directly related to design criteria used by structural engineers and asset managers. It is found in the paper that, under the same service conditions, corrosion induced cracking attains a serviceability limit state before deflection does. It is concluded that a time-dependent reliability method can serve as a tool for structural engineers and asset managers to develop a risk-informed and cost-effective strategy in the management of corrosion-affected concrete structures.