Is there a combined durability indicator for conrete structures?
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Combined Durability Indicator for Concrete Structures
Introduction to Concrete Durability
Concrete durability is a critical aspect of construction, influencing the longevity and serviceability of structures. Over the past decades, significant research has focused on understanding and improving the durability of concrete, addressing issues such as alkali aggregate reaction, sulfate attack, steel corrosion, and freeze-thaw cycles1. This article explores the concept of a combined durability indicator for concrete structures, synthesizing insights from recent studies.
Challenges in Service Life Prediction
Predicting the service life of concrete structures is inherently challenging due to the multitude of factors and variabilities involved. Traditional prescriptive approaches often fall short in accounting for these complexities. Recent advancements emphasize performance-based approaches, which offer a more rational framework for durability prediction. These approaches incorporate performance testing and service life modeling, providing a more accurate and reliable means of predicting concrete durability2.
Performance-Based Durability Indicators
The concept of "durability indicators" has emerged as a practical tool in performance-based approaches. These indicators are measurable properties or parameters that correlate with the long-term performance of concrete. For instance, indicators such as chloride penetration resistance, carbonation depth, and water absorption rate are commonly used to assess the durability of conventional concrete2.
Durability in Steel Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC)
Research on the durability of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) is still developing. While conventional concrete has well-established durability indicators, their applicability to SFRSCC is not fully understood. Experimental studies have shown that adding steel fibers to self-compacting concrete (SCC) enhances post-cracking flexural resistance and energy absorption without significantly affecting the self-compacting properties and durability indicators of SCC3. This suggests that existing durability indicators for conventional concrete may also be relevant for SFRSCC, although further research is needed to confirm this.
Integrated Approach to Durability
An integrated approach to durability combines performance-based specifications, durability indicators, and site quality control. This holistic method ensures that all aspects of concrete durability are considered, from design through to construction and maintenance. By using durability indicators within this framework, it is possible to achieve more reliable and consistent durability outcomes for concrete structures2.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is no single combined durability indicator for concrete structures, the use of multiple performance-based durability indicators within an integrated approach offers a robust solution. These indicators, when applied correctly, can significantly enhance the prediction and assurance of concrete durability, ensuring longer-lasting and more reliable structures. Further research, particularly in emerging areas like SFRSCC, will continue to refine and expand the applicability of these indicators.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Recent durability studies on concrete structure
Recent research on concrete durability focuses on major problems, marine environments, and the impact of mechanical load and environmental factors on concrete structure design.
Highly CitedDurability and service life prediction for concrete structures – developments and challenges
Performance-based approaches and performance testing can improve concrete durability and service life prediction, with an integrated approach focusing on durability specifications, performance-based predictions, and site quality control.
Durability of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete
Adding steel fibers to self-compacting concrete increases post-cracking flexural resistance and energy absorption without significantly affecting self-compacting requisites or durability indicators.
Highly CitedDurability health monitoring during construction of concrete structures in marine environment
The developed methodology for durability health monitoring during bridge construction using saturated electrical resistivity (S) is feasible and effective for quality control and assurance.
Durability, service life prediction, and modelling for reinforced concrete structures – review and critique
A performance-based approach is the most suitable engineering tool for durability design of reinforced concrete structures, with validation through field observations being crucial.
Highly CitedPractical implementation of the durability index performance-based design approach
The Durability Index performance-based approach is a potentially useful and practical method for quality control of cover concrete, but limitations in test results, panel quality, and communication need to be addressed for full benefits.
Probability Durability Assessment of Existing Concrete Structures in Carbonation Environment
This paper presents a methodology for assessing the probability durability of existing concrete structures in carbonation environments, considering non-destructive testing results and the target reliability index.
Durability of Concrete Structures
Probability-based durability design and performance-based concrete quality control during construction can improve the durability and service life of concrete structures in severe environments.
Durability-Based Design of Structures Made with Ultra-High-Performance/Ultra-High-Durability Concrete in Extremely Aggressive Scenarios: Application to a Geothermal Water Basin Case Study
The Durability Assessment-based Design approach for Ultra-High-Durability Concrete structures predicts long-term performance and service life, enhancing their durability in extreme environments.
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