Performance evaluation of concrete bridge deck affected by chloride ingress: simulation-based reliability assessment and finite element modeling

Abstract

Modeling is presented for the effect of cracks on chloride ingress into bridge decks with epoxy-coated reinforcing steel. A finite element diffusion model is used in conjunction with a Monte Carlo probabilistic method to address the inherited randomness of input variables. Field data from New York and Pennsylvania bridge decks under service are used to derive the distributions of diffusion coefficients and concrete cover depths under common specifications and construction practices for bridges in the northeastern United States.