Chlorides ingress as an environmental load on Krk bridge

Among many different environment actions causing deterioration of concrete, chlorides are representing one of the most dangerous attacks on the reinforced concrete structure. Chloride analysis were performed on the Krk bridge (Adriatic coast), which has been exposed to marine environment for 25 years. Surface chloride concentration is analysed in relation to height above the sea level and to the side of structural element. From measured chloride profiles apparent chloride diffusion coefficients were calculated and statistically analysed. Chloride ingress as an environmental load and structural resistance based on materials parameters and on concrete cover depth were statistically analysed and compared. After determination of load and resistance distributions, reliability function and reliability index were determined for the Krk bridge.