Evaluation of the residual service life of existing concrete structures: a valuable tool for maintenance planning

Title: Evaluation of the residual service life of existing concrete structures: a valuable tool for maintenance planning
Author(s): T. Teruzzi, E. Cadoni, G. Frigeri
Paper category : conference
Book title: 2nd International RILEM Workshop on Life Prediction and Aging Management of Concrete Structures
Editor(s): D.J. Naus
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-36-5
e-ISBN: 2912143780
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2003
Pages: 207 - 216
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 10
Language: English

Abstract: This paper presents a probabilistic service life estimation method for existing concrete structures subjected to carbonation induced corrosion of the reinforcement. This method has been developed and applied by the Department of Construction and Environment of the University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland in the framework of a building management research project addressing the maintenance planning of 25 scholastic facilities belonging to the Government of Canton Ticino (Switzerland). The method requires the distribution functions of concrete cover and of carbonation depth as input quantities. These are obtained, together with other condition assessment data, by means of non-destructive inspection techniques and of laboratory tests performed on cores taken from the structures under investigation. Service life is defined as the time at which the probability of failure reaches a maximum allowable value.The results of the application of the method to the concrete façades of two existing sample objects are presented. The service lives and the parameters used for their calculation are discussed with regard to the actual condition of the façades, as they can be assessed by visual inspection, and are compared with those given by methods developed for durability design.

Online publication: 2003-04-02
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143780.020