Durability assessment of reinforced concrete structures in marine environment

Corrosion of steel reinforcement is one of the most significant causes of deterioration of reinforced concrete structures in marine environment.It is assumed that corrosion will lead to a reduction in reinforcement cross-sectional area and a reduction in bond strength.The reliability-based approach to the assessment of reinforced concrete structures in marine environment is analyzed.Stochastic model of the chloride ion concentration at steel-concrete interfaces is established with the random variables of the chloride ion concentration at concrete surfaces, the thickness of concrete covers and the chloride diffusion coefficient.The mean value of the chloride ion concentration at steel-concrete interfaces is obtained.The approach to the durable life assessment of concrete structures in marine environment is presented,and it is used to assess the durable life of the balustrades on the harbor west dam.