ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The minimum lifetime cost design of reinforced concrete structures under multiple loading conditions is presented. The proposed formulation is based on a new conceptual approach to optimal design of deteriorating structural systems. The time-variant performance over the structural lifetime is taken into account by introducing a proper modeling of structural damage for both component materials, concrete and steel. The effects of maintenance interventions are included by relating the cost of maintenance to the actual damage level of the whole structure. The proposed procedure is finally applied to the lifetime structural optimization of a reinforced concrete frame. The obtained results show that the optimal dimensions of the cross-sections, as well as the optimal amount and distribution of reinforcement, strongly depend on the prescribed damage scenario.
