Durability and service life prediction for concrete structures – developments and challenges

University or Cape Town, Department of Civil Engineering, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

The paper reviews developments in service life prediction for concrete structures. It indicates the difficulties inherent in rational service life design, in view of the multiple factors and variabilities involved in the process. The paper also emphasises the advantages of performance-based approaches to durability prediction, and considers performance testing, which is critical to achieving intended service life. Such approaches allow service life modelling, which the current prescriptive approaches do not. The concept of ‘durability indicators’ is covered, with a practical example showing how this can be used to improve concrete durability in construction. The paper also stresses the importance of an ‘integrated approach’ to durability specifications, performance-based predictions, and site quality control.