Output details

Optimized maintenance strategy for concrete structures affected by cracking due to reinforcement corrosion

The paper presented an approach for predicting the development of concrete cracking due to steel-reinforcement corrosion and for determining risk-cost-benefit optimised maintenance strategies during the service life of concrete structures. Crack growth over time is predicted analytically by means of a softening-cohesive model for cracked concrete, which matches well with the experimental results available. Optimal maintenance strategies during the service life are determined by using stochastic deterioration modeling and a maintenance cost model. The work led to further publications, a PhD studentship, a joint EPSRC proposal with four institutions, and collaboration with Transport Research Laboratory and The Mineral Products Association.