Failure contingency assessment of corroded beams based on structural parameters

Abstract

The effects of corrosion in two serviceability and capacity state on the failure contingency, life cycle cost, and optimum repair time of reinforced concrete beams are evaluated in this study. Gradual corrosion-induced crack width is obtained by employing the cohesive crack model. Flexural capacity deterioration is examined through a simplified 3D finite element model. Considering the crack width and capacity as random variables in the gamma process, the life cycle cost, and optimum repair time are investigated using a renewal process. Analysis of the effective parameters indicates that corrosion rate in the serviceability state and tensile rebar ratio in the capacity state has the most significant effect on the failure probability, life cycle cost, and optimum repair time. As the corrosion rate decreases, the failure probability reduces, and the repair time increases. With an increase in the aspect ratio of the section, failure cost increases, and the optimum repair time declines.