Corrosion damage prediciton updating based on visual survey information

It is well known that corrosion-induced cracking of reinforced concrete (RC) structures varies in time and space due to the inherent spatial variability of material, environmental and dimensional properties. The uncertainties of predictions can be reduced by the effective use of information obtained from visual inspections regarding structural performance, such as surface damage condition. The paper uses a spatial time-dependent reliability analysis combined with visual inspection data to predict the likelihood and extent of RC corrosion-induced cracking. Actual inspection damage survey results for corrosion damage to U.S. RC bridge decks are used to iiiustrate the method. Concrete strength, concrete cover and the surface chloride concentrations are modelled as spatial variables. Monte-Carlo simulation is employed to calculate the updated cracking proportions. It was found that the existing surface corrosion damage inspection findings change the future cracking prediction significantly