Evaluation of service life design of reinforced concrete structures

Authors: H. Beushausen, M. Alexander,
Paper category: conference
Book title: Concrete Durability and Service Life Planning – ConcreteLife’09
Editor(s): K. Kovler
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-074-5
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-085-1
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2009
Pages: 15 – 22
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: Service-life design of reinforced concrete structures may include analytical and numerical modelling of deterioration mechanisms and durability characteristics, as well as testing of relevant material properties to assess the actual deterioration resistance of the particular concrete to be used. Performance-based service life design must incorporate testing of relevant concrete properties, which can be used to assess the potential ingress of harmful substances, such as chlorides and carbon dioxide. Various performance-based test methods have been developed in different part of the world. The results obtained with these test methods can be used as input parameters for relevant service life models for the prediction of a corrosion-free service life. This paper argues that performance-based design methods using durability indicators such as permeability, sorptivity and conductivity are a practical way to design for durability of reinforced concrete structures. Reliability criteria for environmental influences, material properties and construction-related aspects need to be established through probabilistic models. However, despite the fact that sophisticated probabilistic techniques are used to define model input parameters, performance-based design needs to present a practical and straightforward tool for the engineer, which can be used in everyday projects. Based on the philosophy of the South African Durability Index approach, a practical methodology for service life design and quality control is discussed.

Online publication: 2012-05-16
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00