Evaluation and prediction on performance degradation of marine concrete structures

Typical deterioration of concrete structures in marine environments is chloride-induced corrosion of rebar. After starting corrosion, it progresses rapidly and loss in structural performance or even structural collapse may be consequences. To meet these facts, it is extremely important to coordinate durability design and strategic maintenance and essential to establish life-cycle management strategies. The authors have been conducting several research programs for the core parts of the life cycle management system of marine concrete structures. In this paper, the results and discussions are introduced how deterioration of concrete members and structural performance degradation should be evaluated and assessed. In addition, the effect of marine fouling organisms attaching the surface of concrete is experimentally discussed. Finally, prediction with the Markov-chain is proposed in the life-cycle management. Some of the practical considerations have been introduced in the design and maintenance standards for port and harbor structures.