A Stochastic Computational Framework to Investigate the Initial Stage of Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Superstructures

A stochastic computational framework is presented in this article that investigates the chloride-induced corrosion of reinforced concrete superstructures. Three-dimensional finite-element models are developed to determine the extent of chloride penetration into the superstructure components. One of the unique capabilities of this framework is to simultaneously consider all the major factors that affect the corrosion process. Furthermore, the developed framework integrates various sources of uncertainty into the performance predictions. This will be achieved by modifying the element properties and boundary conditions of the finite-element models at each time step. For a reliable durability assessment of deteriorating structural components, the proposed framework incorporates the temporal and spatial uncertainties of the influential parameters into the finite-element analysis. Considering that most of the parameters involved in the corrosion process follow non-normal distributions, a series of non-Gaussian stochastic fields are generated following a computationally efficient procedure. The results calculated from extensive stochastic simulations are expressed in terms of the likelihood and extent of corrosion initiation.The probabilistic approach presented in this article provides a more realistic evaluation of the corrosion process and can be implemented in a variety of decision making algorithms required for the maintenance and repair of deteriorating reinforced concrete components.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.12019
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10939687
• Authors:
  • Shafei, Behrouz
  • Alipour, Azadeh
  • Shinozuka, Masanobu
• Publication Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 482-494
• Serial:
  • Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
  • Volume: 28
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
  • ISSN: 1093-9687
  • Serial URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-8667

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chlorides; Corrosion; Deterioration; Finite element method; Reinforced concrete; Superstructures
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I60: Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01488453
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 30 2013 9:47AM