Inspection and monitoring planning for RC structures based on minimization of expected damage detection delay

• Published in: Probabilistic engineering mechanics Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 308 - 320
• Main Authors: Kim, Sunyong, Frangopol, Dan M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building failures (cracks, physical changes, etc.); Building structure; Buildings. Public works; Computer simulation; Construction (buildings and works); Corrosion; Corrosion mechanisms; Damage; Damage detection; Delay; Durability. Pathology. Repairing. Maintenance; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Inspection; Measurement and testing methods; Metals. Metallurgy; Monitoring; Optimization; Physics; Probabilistic analysis; Reinforced concrete; Reinforced concrete structure; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Uncertainty; Corrosion; Damage detection; Probabilistic analysis; Inspection; Damage; Monitoring; Optimization; Reinforced concrete; Measurement; Uncertainty; Maintenance cost; Modeling; Life cycle; Uncertain system; Damaging; Road bridge; Monte Carlo method; Probabilistic approach; Life cycle (environment); Minimization; Chemical degradation; Concrete construction; Quality control; Life cycle cost; Planning; Defect detection
• ISSN: 0266-8920; 1878-4275
• DOI: 10.1016/j.probengmech.2010.08.009

The deterioration mechanism of reinforced concrete (RC) structures under corrosion is highly dependent on environment and material properties. Uncertainties in structural damage occurrence and propagation due to corrosion should be considered in a rational way using a probabilistic approach. In this study, such an approach is proposed to establish a life-cycle optimum inspection plan under uncertainty. This plan leads to cost-effective maintenance interventions, considering uncertainties associated with damage occurrence/propagation and inspection methods. Uncertainties associated with prediction of damage occurrence time are considered by using the Monte Carlo simulation. A damage detectability function is used to assess the quality of inspection method according to damage intensity. The inspection planning is formulated as an optimization problem with the objective of minimizing the expected damage detection delay. This formulation is further used for optimum monitoring planning. Effects of number of inspections and/or monitoring actions, quality of inspection, monitoring duration, and uncertainties associated with damage occurrence/propagation are investigated. The proposed approach is applied to an existing highway bridge. This approach can be used to develop cost-effective management strategies by considering effects of damage detection delay on life-cycle cost and performance of deteriorating structures.