ABSTRACT
Current state-of-the-art deterioration forecasting models such as the stochastic Markov hazard model require relatively large sample data to meet accuracy requirements. Small zones e.g., small cities and countries have a few infrastructure assets including bridges to manage hence their inspection data is incomplete. Also, the interdependence between structural deterioration and chemical attack has not been fully investigated. Chemicals e.g., CO2 and Cl accelerate reinforced concrete (RC) deterioration by ingressing through RC pores which facilitates rebar corrosion leading to cracking, delamination and spalling that terminates in structural failure in case of no intervention. Additionally, worse RC structural state results in more severe chemical attack as more chemicals ingress into RC. This study proposes a composite Markov hazard model that captures these compounding processes and examines the influence of chemical attack on RC bridge deterioration rate, and vice versa, to aid proactive interventions. The study applies multiple imputation to generate more complete data to address small zone data incompleteness and shows empirical model applicability.
