Bridges

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures in a marine environment deteriorate with time due to chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing bars. Corrosion is initiated by chloride contamination if the structures have poor quality concrete and/or inadequate concrete cover. Reinforcement corrosion in concrete is the predominant factor for the premature deterioration of RC structures, leading to structural failure. Failure does not necessarily mean structural collapse, but also includes loss of serviceability characterised by concrete cracking, spalling, and excessive deflection. Whole-life performance prediction of aging RC bridges is gradually becoming a requirement for the design of these structures and a necessity for decision making with respect to their inspection, repair, strengthening, demolition and replacement. In addition, extreme events such as earthquake have to be considered during the life-cycle of bridges located in seismic regions. This paper presents a brief review of recent results reported on long-term performance of bridges under extreme events, with emphasis on RC bridges in a marine and seismic environment.