SERVICE LIFE OF THE ENGINEERING STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present a state-of-the-art report on service life design methods with reference to engineering structures. The approach to durability assessment and verifi cation method developed in the ISO Standards and scientifi c literature are discussed. The basic durability requirements presented in the structural codes, as well as full probabilistic procedures taking into account statistical properties, are considered. In particular, the limiting values method, the factor method, the semi-probabilistic dimensioning methods such as the lifetime safety factor method and alternative approaches are presented.