Reliability based service life prediction of bridges in Indian coastal region

Abstract

Chloride-induced corrosion in concrete bridges is a common problem in coastal regions. This study assesses the reliability-based service life of a reinforced concrete (RC) T-girder bridge subjected to pitting rebar corrosion. The impact of spatial variability of rebar pitting corrosion has been considered to accurately predict the service life. Service life models have been applied to both strength and serviceability parameters for coastal bridges in India. The results indicate that rebar corrosion influences the shear resistance deterioration of the bridge girder more rapidly than the flexure resistance deterioration, which significantly impacts the bridge's reliability and service life. Further, it has also been observed that due to chloride-induced corrosion, the serviceability parameters are impacted more than the strength parameter leading to an early requirement of repair for the serviceability conditions.