Estimating Flexural Reliability of Carbonated Rc Bridge Beams Using Particle Filter

Abstract

Many of our reinforced concrete structures today are ageing at the same time subjected to carbonation. It occurs when atmospheric carbon dioxide reacts with the components of the hydrated cement. In this regard, the authors estimated the probability of flexural failure of a deteriorated reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to carbonation. In the reliability analysis, the resistance degrades over time due to a change in the concrete compressive strength caused by carbonation. The load was modeled as a uniformly distributed on a simply supported beam. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation of an example bridge showed a decrease in the compressive strength due to carbonation. To estimate the present state of the RC beams, particle filter was used in conjunction with observation data from rebound hammer tests on the bridge.

Verification of Design Bearing Capacity of Existing Reinforced Concrete Columns

“…Venkatesh and Alapati conducted UPV, rebound hammer and half-cell potential tests on RC columns, beams and slabs of a 50-year old hospital building in India to assess the strength and durability of concrete and the corrosion status of reinforcing bars [7]. Sanchez et al used observation data from rebound hammer tests on a RC bridge beam to update a probabilistic prediction of flexural failure of the beam due to carbonation [8]. Concha and Oreta utilized data acquired from UPV testing of concrete specimens to develop a neural network model for the prediction of the bond strength of rebars in concrete structures [9].…”