Application of the factor method to the service life prediction of architectural concrete

Abstract

Architectural concrete surfaces are a durable solution, but their deterioration process is unavoidable and begins as soon as the element is built. This study establishes a methodology for predicting the service life of architectural concrete surfaces, through the application of the factor method. For this purpose, 239 architectural concrete surfaces in in-service conditions are analysed. Different durability factors are studied and their impact in the service life of architectural concrete surfaces is evaluated. Different scenarios are analysed for the quantification of the durability factors. Scenario 4 presents the best results, leading to a higher similarity between the estimated service lives predicted by the factor method and obtained by the graphical method. The application of the factor method, as described in this study, allows one to predict the service life of architectural concrete surfaces. An estimated service life ranging between 43 and 48 years was obtained, which agrees with the literature and empirical knowledge.