Forensic engineering - fib MC 2020 and existing structures

¹ Building Research Establishment Ltd., Watford, WD25 9XX, UK & Convenor fib T10.1
² Department of Structural & Geotechnical Engineering, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino, Italy & Co-convenor fib T10.1

^* Corresponding author: matthewss@bre.co.uk

Abstract

The fib (Fédération Internationale du Béton) is developing a new fib Model Code for Concrete Structures, under a working title of Model Code 2020 (MC2020). Numerous aspirational goals have been identified for MC2020. It will be a single code dealing with both new and existing concrete structures, which is both the design of new structures and all the activities relating to the assessment, interventions and the through-life management and care of existing concrete structures, including matters relating to durability and service life design. MC2020 will incorporate many improvements and extensions to the guidance available in the current fib Model Code for Concrete Structures fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010). The new and extended models, in association with the other aspects of the updated guidance, will provide improved technical capabilities for undertaking forensic engineering studies of existing concrete structures. These concepts are illustrated by a number of case studies of existing concrete structures subject to damage / deterioration / other inadequacies, as well as associated intervention works. Improved technical guidance provisions will allow forensic engineers to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of existing concrete structures, enabling better judgements to be made of how they behave in-service & what measures / interventions are most appropriate to extend their useful life.