Predictive Models Of Deterioration Rates Of Concrete Bridges Using The Factor Method Based On Historic Inspection Data

Summary: Recent decades have seen rapid developments in structural research attempting to predict the service life of building materials and components. Earlier ideas, ambitions or visions among a few researchers, are today realities or within reach for engineering applications. The reasons for these developments include improvements in testing procedures, better analytical tools and methods, and a computerisation that has significantly facilitated the ability to analyse and process large data sets. Another important influence and driving force for continued research in this area has been the demand for reliable service life data from building asset/property managers, management consultants and building owners. The risk of deterio ration of reinforced concrete structures has highlighted the importance of developing service life prediction models so that optimal strategies for their maintenance and repair can be developed. Many approaches have been suggested to estimate the service life of concrete structures. To date, they are usually based on the Factor Method, or a stochastic/probabilistic approach. In this paper, data on bridge deterioration of over 400 bridges in the UK will be used to provide predictive models based on the factor method.