Software for evaluating probability-based integrity of reinforced concrete structures R.M. Ferreira 1 , S. Jalali 1 , O.E. Gjørv 2 Summary In recent years, much research work has been carried out in order to obtain a more controlled durability and long-term performance of concrete structures in chloride containing environment. In particular, the development of new procedures for probability-based durability design has proved to give a more realistic basis for the analysis. Although there is still a lack of relevant data, this approach has been successfully applied to several new concrete structures, where requirements to a more controlled durability and service life have been specified. A probability-based durability analysis has also become an important and integral part of condition assessment of existing concrete structures in chloride containing environment. In order to facilitate the probability-based durability analysis, a software named DURACON has been developed, where the probabilistic approach is based on a Monte Carlo simulation. In the present paper, the software for the probability-based durability analysis is briefly described and used in order to demonstrate the importance of the various durability parameters affecting the durability of concrete structures in chloride containing environment. 1 Introduction Since all parameters both for concrete durability and environmental exposure typically show a high scatter, a probability-based approach has shown to give a very powerful basis for durability analysis [1-3]. This approach is primarily being applied for obtaining a more controlled durability and long-term performance of new concrete structures, but it also provides a very valuable basis for condition assessment of existing concrete structures in chloride containing environment. For the probability approach a very simple software program (DURACON) based on a Monte Carlo simulation has been developed. In the following, the software program is briefly described and used in order to demonstrate the importance and sensitivity of the various durability parameters affecting and controlling the durability of concrete structures in chloride containing environment. 2 Model Description For the software program DURACON [4], the modelling of chloride penetration and time to depassivation is based on Fick’s Second Law of Diffusion in combination with a 1 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4800-058, Portugal 2 Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Norway 1815 Advances in Computational & Experimental Engineering & Science Copyright 2004 Tech Science Press Proceedings of the 2004 International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering & Science 26-29 July, 2004, Madeira, Portugal