During exploitation, reinforced concrete structures are under the influence of an aggressive environment, as a result of which they are damaged and destroyed. The durability of structures depends on the nature of its interaction with aggressive environmental factors, which is described using general models of external influences, such as the action of loads, climatic, aggressive and other influences and their combinations. An example of calculating durability based on corrosion of concrete and reinforcement is given. The selected protective layer and the diameter of the reinforcement were checked in case of general corrosion. The average value of the service life in years was determined on the basis of carbonization of the protective layer of concrete and the formation of cracks in it. The methods for predicting the service life of reinforced concrete structures are analysed. The service life of the structure is determined taking into account the assessment of the technical condition of the structure according to external signs. In theoretical terms, the influence of various factors by the introduction of a multifactorial measure of damage is shown. The calculations for predicting the service life of structures and for determining the durability are analysed. The example of calculating the probabilistic service life is considered. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.