ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Deterioration of RC structures due to chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion is a common problem in an aggressive environment. Especially for shield tunnels in coastal regions, structures undergo a complex and rapid deteriorating process under the coupling effects of multiple mechanical and environmental stressors during their life-cycle, such as high hydrostatic pressure and aggressive agents. The very few existing studies on the deterioration processes of shield tunnels, especially considering the coupling effects, were not generally oriented to accurately assess the lifetime structural performance of these tunnels. In this paper, the chloride transport process in segmental linings with the impact of hydrostatic pressure is illustrated, two transport approaches of chloride are suggested, and the time to corrosion initiation is predicted. Finally, a Monte Carlo Simulation is used in conjunction with a time-dependent failure probability estimation associated with the deteriorated structural performance due to the steel corrosion.