A framework for robustness assessment in the context of corroded RC structures

CAVACO E.; CASAS J.; NEVES L:A:C; A.E HUESPE

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Congreso; The Fifth Int. Conf. on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management , Pennsylvania, USA, July, 11-15 2009.; 2010

The International Association for Bridge Maintenance and Safety (IABMAS)

Structural robustness is an emergent concept related to the structural response to damage. Atthe present time, robustness is not well defined and much controversy still remains around this subject. Evenif robustness has seen growing interest as a consequence of catastrophic consequences due to extreme events,the fact is that the concept can also be very useful when considered on more probable exposure scenarios suchas deterioration, among others. This paper intends to be a contribution to the definition of structural robustness,especially in the analysis of reinforced concrete structures subjected to corrosion. To achieve this, firstof all, several proposed robustness definitions and indicators and misunderstood concepts will be analyzedand compared. From this point and regarding a concept that could be applied to most type of structures anddamage scenarios, a robustness definition is proposed. To illustrate the proposed concept, an example of corrodedreinforced concrete structures will be analyzed using nonlinear analysis numerical methods based on acontinuum strong discontinuities approach and isotropic damage models for concrete. Finally the robustnessof the presented example will be assessed.