Durability of Concrete Structures

Abstract

Extensive experience demonstrates that the durability of concrete structures is related not only to design and material but also to construction issues. Upon completion of new concrete structures, the achieved construction quality always shows a high scatter and variability, and in severe environments, any weaknesses in the concrete structures will soon be revealed whatever specifications and constituent materials have been applied. In order to better take all this variability into account, a probability-based durability design should be applied. Since many durability problems also can be related to poor quality control as well as special problems during concrete construction, the issue of construction quality and variability must also be firmly grasped before any rational approach to a more controlled durability can be achieved. Therefore, a performance-based concrete quality control during concrete construction with documentation of achieved construction quality and compliance with the specified durability should also be carried out. When the concrete structure is completed, the owner should further be provided with a proper service manual for the future operation of the structure. Only such a service manual for condition assessment and preventive maintenance can provide the ultimate basis for achieving a more controlled durability and service life of concrete structures in severe environments. In the present paper, current experience with probability-based durability design and performance-based concrete quality control is briefly outlined and discussed.