Abstract
There are many uncertainties relating to the deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) structure, and as a result, the actual degree of deterioration of structures is not uniform. Currently, various safety factors are considered to cover those uncertainties. This paper proposes a new method for maintenance planning of RC structures degraded by chloride attack based on probability theory. Prediction models of deterioration caused by chloride attack both before and after repair are discussed. The effects of crack and macrocell corrosion were considered to accelerate the deterioration in the prediction model. Surface coating, patching repair, cathodic protection, and combinations thereof were considered as repairing options. Moreover, the effects of partial and full repair were also considered in the deterioration of the repair system. The actual variation of structural properties and the environmental conditions obtained from the inspection program were used directly as input for prediction. By using Monte Carlo simulation, variations of deterioration degree can be predicted. Based on the prediction result, repair and failure costs are determined and used to design the maintenance planning program. Finally, applications of maintenance planning of actual case studies are given as an example.
