ABSTRACT
The present paper develops a method of describing the service life function of a concrete structure. By service life function is meant a function that indicates how a given property varies with time.
“Service life” is defined as the period in which a material, structure or system in a given environment can perform the functions for which it was intended. In this project, the service life curve of the entire structure was investigated as well as the service life curves of its components.
The investigation covered 22 concrete bridges, varying in age from 55 to 85 years. It showed that there are various service life curves, depending on the dominant deterioration mechanism. Alkali-silica reactions are one of the most important mechanisms. The results also indicate that bolder types of structure have a greater variation in service life. By repairing a damaged structure it is possible to improve its condition rating considerably, but the variation in subsequent lifetime is wide.
