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Title: STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF DEGRADED REINFORCED CONCRETE MEMBERS.

Conference ·
OSTI ID:779779

This paper describes the results of a study to evaluate, in probabilistic terms, the effects of age-related degradation on the structural performance of reinforced concrete members at nuclear power plants. The paper focuses on degradation of reinforced concrete flexural members and shear walls due to the loss of steel reinforcing area and loss of concrete area (cracking/spalling). Loss of steel area is typically caused by corrosion while cracking and spalling can be caused by corrosion of reinforcing steel, freeze-thaw, or aggressive chemical attack. Structural performance in the presence of uncertainties is depicted by a fragility (or conditional probability of failure). The effects of degradation on the fragility of reinforced concrete members are calculated to assess the potential significance of various levels of degradation. The fragility modeling procedures applied to degraded concrete members can be used to assess the effects of degradation on plant risk and can lead to the development of probability-based degradation acceptance limits.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
NRC: RES/DET/ERAB (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
779779
Report Number(s):
BNL-NUREG-68193; 401001060; R&D Project: W6684; 401001060; TRN: US0102420
Resource Relation:
Conference: 16TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON STRUCTURAL MECHANICS IN REACTOR TECHNOLOGY, WASHINGTON, DC (US), 08/12/2001--08/17/2001; Other Information: PBD: 22 Mar 2001
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English