Improving durability through probabilistic design

In order to obtain a more controlled durability and long-term performance of concrete structures in chloride containing environment special care is needed in the design phase of reinforced concrete structures. The recent development of probability-based procedures has proven to give a more realistic basis for both durability design and condition assessment of reinforced concrete structures. Although there is still a lack of relevant data, this approach has been successfully applied to several new concrete structures, where requirements to a more controlled durability and service life have been specified. Since parameters both for concrete durability and environmental exposure typically show a high scatter, a probability-based approach has shown to give a very powerful basis for durability analysis. This approach is primarily being applied for obtaining a more controlled durability and long-term performance of new concrete structures, but it also provides a very valuable basis for condition assessment of existing concrete structures in chloride containing environment. In the present paper, the probability-based durability analysis is briefly described and used in order to demonstrate the importance and sensitivity of the various parameters affecting and controlling the durability of concrete structures in chloride containing environment. The results show that this procedure provides valuable information concerning the design options, making the decision process more reliable.