ABSTRACT
In the last years the development of integrated monitoring systems for new and existing reinforced concrete structures has been recognized as an important tool to reduce maintenance costs allowing a rational approach to the assessment of repair options, scheduling of inspection and maintenance programs. Continuous monitoring of reinforced concrete can allow a better knowledge of present and future performances of the structure in order to prevent premature deterioration. This issue is particularly significant for reinforced concrete bridges, because corrosion phenomena in reinforcing bars are the main cause of the reduction of the load bearing capacity and of the design security levels (Yoshihiro et al. 1990, Cairns 1998, Perno et al. 2005). The evaluation of service life for reinforced concrete structures with corroded reinforcements is a very significant topic in the literature (Rodriguez et al. 1997, Capozucca & Cerri 2003, Razak & Choi 2001, Ahmed et al. 2006).
