ABSTRACT
For concrete structures exposed to corrosion, the identification of the local failure modes and of their occurrence in time represent an important information. This information is necessary in order to 37maintain a suitable level of system performance and to avoid collapse over the structural lifetime. In fact, repairable local failures can be considered as a warning of damage propagation and possible occurrence of more severe and not repairable failures. Failure loads and failure times are investigated and life-cycle probabilistic performance indicators, related to load redundancy and elapsed times between sequential failures, are proposed. The effects of the damage process on the structural performance are evaluated based on a methodology for life-cycle assessment of concrete structures exposed to diffusive attack from environmental aggressive agents. The uncertainties involved in the problem are taken into account in probabilistic terms. The proposed approach is illustrated through the application to a reinforced concrete frame and a reinforced concrete bridge deck under corrosion. The results demonstrate that both failure loads and failure times can provide relevant information to plan emergency procedures, repair interventions and maintenance actions in order to ensure suitable levels of life-cycle structural performance and functionality.
