Structural risk assessment of corroding infrastructure

Structural risk is not the same as corrosion risk. Therefore once assessment of infrastructure confirms corrosion is active and the mechanism(s) of corrosion are understood this does not necessarily indicate an unacceptable structural risk. Asset managers, infrastructure owners and stakeholders normally indicate a required service life requirement. An implicit requirement is meeting structural and other safety requirements as defined by Australian or other Standards. Maintenance and/or remedial work activities are only supported for the asset to achieve desired functionality, serviceability, safety, operational and commercial outcomes for its required service life. The paper explores the differences between structural and corrosion risk and how each of these risk types should be considered in the assessment, management and maintenance of infrastructure to meet required service life, structural safety and risk requirements. Some examples are used to illustrate this theme.