Modeling of the influence from environmental actions on the durability of reinforced concrete structures

This paper presents a research project in which the influence from the exposure conditions on the durability of reinforced concrete structures is studied. The focus is on structures that are exposed to chlorides and therefore may risk corroding reinforcement. The overall objective of the project is to model and quantify the influence from the exposure conditions on the durability of reinforced concrete. The output of the research will be general models, which describe the "environmental load" acting on concrete structures, applicable in available service life models. In the paper a summary of the research project and a state-of-the-art review is made. The focus is on environments with chlorides, i.e. marine environments and along roads where de-icing salt is spread. The exposure conditions in these environments are described and the main influencing factors are identified. Future developments that are planned will also be presented.