This paper presents a numerical framework to study the time-dependent reliability of reinforced concrete beams subjected to the damage effects of reinforcement corrosion. The proposed approach is based on stochastic finite element analysis that integrates deterministic nonlinear finite element analysis with advanced reliability evaluation techniques based on a response surface methodology. The corrosion-induced damage includes the effects of two deterioration mechanisms: the uniform reduction of reinforcement cross-sectional area (general corrosion) and the loss of bond between the rebar and surrounding concrete. Uncertainties in corrosion rate, material properties, and imposed actions are modelled as random variables. The developed framework is applied to the time-dependent reliability analysis of a reinforced concrete parking garage girder, in which two limit states are considered: (i) a deflection serviceability limit state and (ii) flexural strength ultimate limit state. The results show that for the serviceability limit state, uniform corrosion has a very significant influence on the reliability of reinforced concrete beams, mainly because of the gradual reduction of bond strength along the length of reinforcement. A similar conclusion is also reached for the ultimate limit state when uniform corrosion leads to a complete loss of bond in the anchorage reinforcement region (pullout failure).
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