DEMSA Protocol: Deterioration Effect Modelling for Structural Assessment of RC Buildings

The effects of deterioration strongly impact the expected future service life and the structural performances of existing reinforced concrete structures. Currently, straightforward methodologies are required to include such effects in the assessment and renovation of the RC buildings’ heritage. A simplified protocol enabling the detection, evaluation, and modelling of corrosion effects is presented in this paper. The protocol provides the guidance for the design and management of the on-site diagnostic campaign, aimed at identifying a possible corrosion risk scenario. Then, equivalent damage parameters describing corrosion effects in the structural models can be calibrated. Structural performances over time can be assessed to predict the structural residual life, maintenance management criteria and timing, and major indications on the feasibility of the retrofit intervention, or the unavoidable need of demolition. The application of the proposed protocol to some case studies emphasises the effectiveness of the procedure for detecting possible activated corrosion processes and for supporting engineers in their decision-making process and choice of renovation strategy.