Design For Durable Service Life/Linchpin For Sustainability in Concrete Construction

Abstract

Corrosion of steel reinforcement is now universally recognized as the major factor affecting the material stability and structural integrity of concrete structures. In very aggressive environments, the material degradation and structural distress arising from steel corrosion can reduce dramatically the useful service life of structures, affect their strength, stability and safety, and indeed, even lead to premature failure. The aim of this paper is to offer an integrated, holistic approach - a global design/management strategy - which will enable us to design new structures with a specified durable service life, and which will also enable us to enhance the durable service life of existing deteriorating structures. The paper identifies the design parameters that need to be satisfied and the strategy that needs to be adopted to ensure long-term corrosion-free service life of concrete structures, whether they are to be newly built or are existing but deteriorating due to environmental attack or otherwise damaged. The paper is accompanied by relevant and appropriate test data.