A numerical study of maintenance strategy for concrete structures in marine environment

Reinforced concrete structures located in marine environment are suscepitble to chloride induced steel corrosion in concrete, which causes severe structural deterioration and ultimately structural collapse. Corrosion-induced structural deterioration is a gradual process, consisting of a number of phases during the service life of reinforced concrete structures. These include corrosion initiation, concrete cracking, delamination and the ultimate collapse due to loss of strength of the structure. This paper presents a numerical method for developing a maintenance strategy based on risk-cost optimization of corrosion effected concrete structures during the whole life of service. The associated risks for concrete cracking, delamination and rupture are quantified based on Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed methodology can help the management in making optimal decisions concerning the intervention to ensure the safe and servicable operation of the structures. This will, in turn, result in better asset and capital utilization.