Probability-based durability design of concrete structures in marine environment

Abstract

In recent years, much research work has been carried out in order to obtain a more controlled durability and long-term performance of concrete structures in chloride containing environments. In particular, the development of new procedures for probability-based durability design has been shown to provide a more realistic basis for the analysis. Although relevant data is still lacking, this approach has been successfully applied to several new concrete structures, where requirements for a more controlled durability and service life have been specified. A probability-based durability analysis has also become an important and integral part of condition assessment of existing concrete structures in chloride containing environments. In order to facilitate the probability-based durability analysis, simple software has been developed, where the probabilistic approach is based on a Monte Carlo simulation. In the present paper, the software for the probability-based durability analysis is briefly described and applied in order to demonstrate the importance and sensitivity of the various durability parameters affecting and controlling the durability of concrete structures in chloride containing environments.