What factors can you control to improve the durability of concrete structures?

1 Material selection

The first factor that you can control is the selection of the appropriate materials for your concrete mix. This includes the type and quality of cement, aggregates, water, admixtures, and reinforcements. You should choose materials that are compatible with each other, suitable for the exposure conditions, and meet the design specifications and standards. For example, you can use low-permeability cement, well-graded aggregates, low water-cement ratio, and corrosion-resistant reinforcements to reduce the risk of cracking, shrinkage, and corrosion.

2 Mix design

The second factor that you can control is the mix design of your concrete. This involves determining the optimal proportions and properties of the materials to achieve the desired strength, workability, durability, and economy of your concrete. You should follow the guidelines and methods recommended by the relevant codes and standards, and perform tests and trials to verify the quality and consistency of your mix. For example, you can use slump, air content, and compressive strength tests to check the performance of your mix.

3 Construction practices

The third factor that you can control is the construction practices that you apply to your concrete. This includes the methods and techniques of batching, mixing, transporting, placing, compacting, finishing, curing, and protecting your concrete. You should follow the best practices and procedures that ensure the uniformity, integrity, and durability of your concrete. For example, you can use proper equipment, avoid segregation and bleeding, ensure adequate compaction and consolidation, apply timely and sufficient curing, and protect your concrete from extreme temperatures and moisture.

4 Maintenance and repair

The fourth factor that you can control is the maintenance and repair of your concrete structures. This involves inspecting, monitoring, evaluating, and restoring your concrete structures regularly and systematically. You should follow the maintenance and repair plans and schedules that address the potential causes and effects of deterioration and damage. For example, you can use visual inspection, non-destructive testing, and structural health monitoring to detect and diagnose the defects and distresses of your concrete structures, and use appropriate methods and materials to repair and rehabilitate them.

5 Design considerations

The fifth factor that you can control is the design considerations that you incorporate into your concrete structures. This includes the aspects and parameters that influence the durability and serviceability of your concrete structures, such as the geometry, load, environment, function, and aesthetics. You should follow the design principles and criteria that optimize the performance and reliability of your concrete structures. For example, you can use adequate cover, proper reinforcement detailing, sufficient crack control, and appropriate drainage and ventilation to enhance the durability and serviceability of your concrete structures.

6 Durability assessment

The sixth factor that you can control is the durability assessment that you conduct for your concrete structures. This involves estimating and predicting the service life and deterioration rate of your concrete structures based on the material properties, mix design, construction practices, maintenance and repair, and design considerations. You should follow the durability assessment methods and models that provide realistic and reliable results and recommendations. For example, you can use performance-based, probabilistic, or service-life models to evaluate and improve the durability of your concrete structures.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?