Head of the project: prof. Ing. Vičan Josef, CSc.

Research team: doc. Ing. Ďurčanská Daniela, CSc., Ing. Gocál Jozef, PhD., doc. Ing. Koteš Peter, PhD., Ing. Vavruš Martin, PhD.

Duration: April  2021 – March 2024

Current standard methods of reliability theory verify the reliability of structures in terms of limit states caused by permanent and variable resp. accidental loads on structures. Defects and damages of structures due to environmental loads in the form of material degradation during the design structural lifetime are taken into account indirectly or not at all. The absence of the methodology results from insufficiently verified models of material degradation. Therefore, the durability of bridge structures is ensured by the choice of suitable materials, the design of proven structural details, increasing the thickness of cross-sections, increasing the covering layer of reinforcement, as well as eliminating environmental effects by the proper protection of materials and structures. The project research intention is to prepare and develop a concept for the design of cross-sections and elements of steel and reinforced concrete bridge structures regarding to their durability and residual lifetime. Attention will be paid to the allowing for of environmental loads and fatigue cracks in the design of bridge structural elements with outputs in the form of corrosion models of structural and reinforcing steel and proposals for the rehabilitation of damaged structures.