A methodology for durability-based service life design of reinforced concrete flexural members

Abstract

This paper proposes a methodology for durability-based service life design of reinforced concrete (RC) flexural members that ensures acceptable performance under service loads. The performance measures considered are safety (or collapse) and serviceability (or cracking) of the RC member with respect to chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcement. In the proposed methodology, the uncertainties arising due to the use of linguistic terms for describing the exposure conditions and quality of construction are taken into account by considering the time for corrosion initiation and the variables affecting the rate of corrosion as fuzzy variables. The efficacy of the proposed methodology in predicting the corrosion damage to the structural members is demonstrated through a practical case study. An example is provided to illustrate usefulness of the proposed methodology in making design decisions.

A Refined Methodology for Durability‐Based Service Life Estimation of Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements Considering Fuzzy and Random Uncertainties

“…A methodology for durability‐based service life design of reinforced concrete structural elements subjected to chloride‐induced corrosion of reinforcement is given by Anoop et al (2003). However, the methodology proposed by Anoop et al (2003) considers only the fuzzy uncertainties.…”

“…A methodology for durability‐based service life design of reinforced concrete structural elements subjected to chloride‐induced corrosion of reinforcement is given by Anoop et al (2003). However, the methodology proposed by Anoop et al (2003) considers only the fuzzy uncertainties. The methodology for service life estimation proposed in the present study is a refinement over the methodology given in Anoop et al (2003).…”

“…However, the methodology proposed by Anoop et al (2003) considers only the fuzzy uncertainties. The methodology for service life estimation proposed in the present study is a refinement over the methodology given in Anoop et al (2003). The details of the methodology are given below.…”

“…The aim of this example is to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed procedure for service life estimation by considering hybrid (probabilistic and fuzzy) uncertainties. It may be noted that the individual steps in the proposed service life design procedure have already been tested with respect to practical problems (Anoop et al, 2002, 2003; Anoop and Balaji Rao, 2007). The emphasis in the present study is to present them together in a rational manner for service life estimation of reinforced concrete structural elements.…”

“…A rational estimation of service life of reinforced concrete structural elements subject to corrosion of reinforcement is required for service life design and also for making engineering decisions regarding the inspection/maintenance activities of these elements. Internationally, efforts are being made to develop methodologies for service life design and remaining life assessment of reinforced concrete structural elements (BRITE/EURAM, 1995; Lay and Schießl, 2003; fib , 2006; ISO, 2008; Siemes et al, 1998; Sarja et al, 2005; Raupach et al, 2006; Ying and Vrouwenvelder, 2007; Vu and Stewart, 2000; Val and Stewart, 2003; Anoop et al, 2002, 2003; Anoop and Balaji Rao, 2007; Choi and Seo, 2009; Li et al, 2007). In almost all these investigations, the variables involved in service life design and/or remaining life assessment, such as diffusion coefficient for chlorides in concrete, surface chloride content, critical chloride content, are considered as stochastic variables.…”