Quantification of parameters for modeling of chloride ion ingress into concrete

Within the management of structures, nonformal assessments where the condition of a structure is evaluated on the basis of visual inspections are the most common type of evaluation. This is because not all of the structures in huge infrastructure networks can be assessed in great depth due to cost constraints. The objective of a structural condition assessment is to determine the current state and estimate the future performance of a structure with a maximum degree of accuracy and a minimum of effort. There is therefore a need for advanced methodologies and predictive deterioration models for the assessment of structures/structural elements over time. Data collected during visual inspections should mainly provide information about the most serious problems and suggest the most suitable scheme for the extension of the performed inspection via monitoring, additional on-site measurements and/or laboratory tests. The objective of this contribution is to sketch out the principles of structural evaluation associated with chloride diffusion processes and to feature several levels of structural assessment, starting with simple but conservative methods and progressing to more sophisticated ones. The article proposes a guideline which is aimed in particular at existing concrete/reinforced concrete structures, such as bridges, located in the mild European climate in places where deicing salts are applied.