Reliability-based service life assessment of concrete structures in nuclear power plants: optimum inspection and repair Original Research Article

Aging effects in reinforced concrete structures brought on by severe service conditions may cause their structural capacities to deteriorate gradually over their service life. Research is being conducted to address aging management of safety-related reinforced concrete structures in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Documentation is being prepared to identify potential structural safety issues and to recommend criteria for use in evaluating reinforced concrete structures for continued service. Time-dependent reliability analysis provides the framework and quantitative tools for the condition assessment. The role of in-service inspection and repair in ensuring continued reliability in service is examined. Optimum strategies can be determined on the basis of minimum life-cycle cost.