Author(s): B. Santosh Kumar; S. A. Sannasiraj; K. Murali

Linked Author(s): Madhu Krishna Murali, Sannasi Annamalaisamy Sannasiraj, Kantharaj Murali

Keywords: Service life; Climate change; Coastal infrastructure; Deterioration models; Berthing structures

Abstract: Reinforced concrete (RC) structures are designed for a particular designed life in which the structure functions satisfactorily in terms of serviceability mainly. The RC structures often undergo damage/deterioration of material either concrete or rebars. The RC structures in the coastal areas which are very near to the sea or saline environment often experience early deterioration of structural elements way early than that of structures away from the sea. This means the sea environment is accelerating the deterioration process predominantly chloride-induced deterioration in coastal areas. In addition to this phenomenon, climate change impact is becoming more in the past few decades. Climate change is actually the change/rise in atmospheric parameters like temperature, CO2 and relative humidity that are resulting in the deterioration processes. This is creating long-term impacts on the RC berthing structures that are designed for more than 50 years of service life. Few case studies were conducted on several berthing structures in different regions to understand this phenomenon on the Indian coast. The results are conveying that the structures having provided sufficient concrete cover are in very good condition (i.e., no sign of corrosion, cracks and carbonation) even after reaching the design service life; whereas, the structures that were not provided sufficient cover and maintenance have lost considerable service life of more than 6–10 years. It is also said in the literature that the service life can be prolonged with proper maintenance like frequent checks and immediately addressing the structural problems arised.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-6009-1_26

Year: 2022