Safety factor calibration for bridge concrete girders

Safety factors proposed in codes CEB, B.A.E.L 91 and EUROCODE 1 cover a great number of uncertainties; making them inadequate for the assessment of existing structures. Suitable safety factors are established using a probabilistic assessment, once real dimensions, materials strength and existing structures deterioration mechanisms are taken into account. This paper presents a calibration method for safety factors using a typical set of RC bridges in France. It considers the principal stages of corrosion provoked by CO2 and Cl− penetration and threshold indexes (B0) for existing structures. Reliability indexes are determined by the FORM method in the calibration method.