Stochastic degradation models for durability limit state evaluation: SARA - Part VI.

Stochastic degradation models for durability limit state evaluation: SARA - Part VI.

en

Durability and reliability are decisive structural performance characteristics. While assessing the reliability level, the residual service life and making relevant conclusions and decisions and carrying out optimization concerning the structure under consideration, an appropriate limit state has to be defined and assessed. Within this context, Durability Limit States (DLS) are recognized as a new category of limit states - see also some new international documents which are currently under development. DLS are now being considered in addition to the traditionally distinguished Ultimate Limit States (ULS) and Serviceability Limit States (SLS). The utilization of design for durability may bring pronounced economical and sustainability impacts. However, broad application is still prevented by the insufficient dissemination of basic ideas, relevant knowledge or experimental evidence and by a lack of simple, user friendly and efficient design instruments (software and other) based on well-recognized models. For such purposes the FReET-D code is introduced, which can serve for such tasks as a user-friendly tool. It is a deterioration module for statistical, sensitivity and reliability assessment of degradation effects in reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures, currently encompassing 26 models for the description of degradation processes in materials. The models can be "chained" thus enabling the reflection of different types of DLS. Several examples of applications are presented.

Durability and reliability are decisive structural performance characteristics. While assessing the reliability level, the residual service life and making relevant conclusions and decisions and carrying out optimization concerning the structure under consideration, an appropriate limit state has to be defined and assessed. Within this context, Durability Limit States (DLS) are recognized as a new category of limit states - see also some new international documents which are currently under development. DLS are now being considered in addition to the traditionally distinguished Ultimate Limit States (ULS) and Serviceability Limit States (SLS). The utilization of design for durability may bring pronounced economical and sustainability impacts. However, broad application is still prevented by the insufficient dissemination of basic ideas, relevant knowledge or experimental evidence and by a lack of simple, user friendly and efficient design instruments (software and other) based on well-recognized models. For such purposes the FReET-D code is introduced, which can serve for such tasks as a user-friendly tool. It is a deterioration module for statistical, sensitivity and reliability assessment of degradation effects in reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures, currently encompassing 26 models for the description of degradation processes in materials. The models can be "chained" thus enabling the reflection of different types of DLS. Several examples of applications are presented.