Increase of technical lifetime of infrastructures based on semi-probabilistic considerations

One of the most important measures in the discussion on improved sustainability in construction is to extend the service life of our structures [1]. Therefore, intensive research is conducted with regard to changing environmental conditions as well as external load effects for structures and new materials and their impact on the production and operation of infrastructures. Already now, according to [2], changes in the kinematics of the degradation mechanisms can be observed. In particular, changing environmental conditions (exposures) can accelerate but also slow down the degradation of materials and structures. These understandings of the degradation processes, but also the improved knowledge of the geometry and effective mechanical building material properties, should be effectively transferred into engineering practice for the assessment of structural reliability and remaining service life [3]. This paper presents how the elements of reliability analysis can be combined with the elements of in-depth testing and monitoring procedures to periodically evaluate the degradation processes due to changing environmental conditions and new building materials. Subsequently, the remaining service life can be continuously updated with the help of semi-probabilistic partial safety considerations.