A New System for Durability Assessment of Existing Concrete Bridges

On the basis of summarizing existing research results, the action mechanisms of various factors were described, which affects the durability of concrete structures. By analyzing the relationships between various factors and considering the individual effects of single factor and the superimposed effects of multiple factors, a new system was established for durability assessment of existing concrete bridges. In this system, the durability was assessed preliminarily by two indicators, which includes reinforcement corrosion and concrete damage. And the assessment result was further modified by six indicators, which includes carbonation of concrete, erosion of chloride, damage of concrete cover, stray current, frost damage of concrete and alkali-aggregate reaction. By taking a simply supported reinforced concrete beam bridge as an example, it was proved that this system was simple, reasonable and practical.