Durability design and sustainability of new major concrete infrastructure

Abstract

Much of the observed durability problems on concrete structures in severe environments can be ascribed due to lack of proper quality assurance during concrete construction and poorly achieved construction quality. Upon completion of new concrete structures, the achieved construction quality typically shows a high scatter and variability, and during operation of the structures, any weaknesses and deficiencies will soon be revealed whatever durability specifications and materials have been applied. To a certain extent, a probability approach to the durability design can accommodate the high scatter and variability. However, a numerical approach alone is insufficient for ensuring the durability; greater control and improvements in durability also require the specification of performance-based durability requirements which can be verified and controlled during concrete construction in order to achieve quality assurance. In the present paper, current experience with probability-based durability design and performance-based concrete quality assurance is briefly outlined and discussed.