Methodological Framework for Assessing Durability and Reliability of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Structures

Abstract

This paper addresses methodological issues related to the assessment of durability and reliability of reinforced concrete bridge structures throughout their service life. The study examines conventional deterministic design approaches alongside contemporary international standards, including EN 206, AASHTO LRFD, FIB Model Code 2010, and ISO 15686. Particular attention is paid to service life design principles and to the role of material degradation models in the prediction of long-term structural performance. From an engineering standpoint, it is shown that the exclusive use of deterministic methods does not adequately reflect time-dependent deterioration processes. To overcome this limitation, a multi-level assessment methodology is proposed, integrating deterministic, semi-probabilistic, and probabilistic approaches for evaluating structural reliability and residual service life under environmental exposure.