Service life prediction and repair of concrete structures with spatial variability

Due to various mechanical, physical and chemical processes, concrete structures are subject to deterioration such as rebar corrosion, cracking and spalling. As most parameters in those processes are random, probability-based reliability analysis is often applied. However, in most studies, spatial variability is not taken into account, although this phenomenon greatly affects the behaviour of concrete structures. The aim of this paper is to show the service life prediction procedure when spatial variability is included. Compared with the studies without consideration of spatial variability, the results can be considered as a better simulation of reality. Also the choice between different repair and maintenance strategies can be underpinned in a more realistic way. A hypothetical illustrative example is shown.