Durability assessment of reinforced concrete structures considering global warming: A performance-based engineering and experimental approach

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures under marine atmospheric environment usually suffer from chloride ingress, which could impair structural serviceability and performance within the service life. Performance-based engineering, as an approach to design structures with predictable and defined performance, has attracted increased attention. In this paper, the developed probabilistic performance-based durability engineering (PBDE) approach is used as a novel attempt to integrate different computational modules (i.e., exposure analysis, deterioration, repair analysis, and impact/consequence analysis) within the durability assessment and management process of RC structures incorporating the experimental results. To begin with, a probabilistic environmental model is developed using the measured data to account for global warming, the seasonal and daily variation of temperature, etc. Additionally, deterioration analysis is conducted considering two-dimensional chloride transport and non-uniformity of corrosion. The experimental studies are conducted to verify the relevant numerical results. Subsequently, consequence analysis is performed to aid the maintenance process of RC structures. Uncertainties associated with material properties, model, and environmental scenarios, as well as the effect and cost of maintenance actions, are incorporated within the developed framework, which is illustrated using a real-world example. Compared to the traditional durability assessment approach, non-uniformity of corrosion, 2D convection-dominated chloride transport model, and climate change effects are assessed in a probabilistic manner.