TIME-DEPENDENT RELIABILITY OF DETERIORATING REINFORCED-CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS

A structural deterioration reliability model is developed to calculate probabilities of structural failure (flexure) for a typical reinforce d concrete continuous slab bridge. Corrosion may be initiated from the application of de-icing salts or atmospheric exposure in a marine env ironment. It is assumed that corrosion will lead to a reduction in the cross-sectional area of the reinforcing steel. Monte Carlo simulation is used to calculate probabilities of failure for annual increments o ver the lifetime of the structure (75 years). The application of de-ic ing salts or atmospheric marine exposure is shown to cause significant longterm deterioration and reduction in structural safety. Reducing t he cover from that currently specified for design results in a signifi cant increase in failure probabilities. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.