Analysis of service life and reliability of C50CASC structures in the splash zone of the South China Sea

This paper presents the results of a reliability analysis of the service life of hydraulic structures made of C50 coral aggregate seawater concrete (CASC) in the splash zone of the South China Sea. The analysis was conducted using the ChaDuraLife V1.0 software, which is based on reliability theory and modified chloride diffusion theory. Several parameters such as the surface free chloride concentration (Cs), chloride binding capacity (R), free chloride diffusion coefficient (Df), apparent chloride diffusion coefficient (Da), and time-dependent index (m) were considered in this analysis. The (1-m) boundary condition is adopted in this study. The effect of concrete cover thickness on the service life of CASC structures was discussed. The influence of rebar types and external protective measures on the service life was also investigated. Durability recommendations for C50CASC hydraulic structures in the splash zone were proposed. The minimum concrete cover thickness needed to achieve the service life of 30a to 100a was determined to provide theoretical support for the application of CASC in island and reef engineering. The results found that the best technical measures for extending the service life were the application of 2205 duplex stainless steel bars and silane protective coating on the surface of concrete structures. A concrete cover thickness of 6–7 cm could achieve the service life of 50a, while a thickness of 8.5–10 cm, could achieve the service life of 100a. •A reliability analysis of the service life of C50CASC structures in the splash zone of the South China Sea was conducted.•The influence of concrete cover thickness on the service life of CASC structures was discussed.•Durability recommendations for C50CASC structures in the splash zone of the South China Sea were proposed.•The minimum concrete cover thickness needed to meet the service life of 30a to 100a was determined.