Service Life Prediction of Corroded Prestressed Concrete Beams based on Probabilistic Assumptions

Prestressed concrete (PC) members are wide used components for bridges, infrastructures, buildings, etc… However, despite its advantages, the structural durability of PC members results to be extremely affected by chloride-induced corrosion deterioration. Based on the probabilistic prediction of the maximum pit depth distribution of prestressing wires, the present work aims to investigate the remaining service life of corroded PC beams. In particular, referring to a determined exposure class, the effects of the chloride attack on prestressing wires are reproduced by considering different corrosion pit penetration depths. The average value of the maximum pit depth distribution, the fractile at 5%, and the fractile at 95%, are assumed, respectively. Finally, the comparison between the analysed configurations is carried out and the main conclusions are drawn.