Towards incorporating the influence of cracks in the durability index testing approach

Author(s): J. Kanjee, H. Beushausen, M.G. Alexander, M. Otieno
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 144 – 145
Total Pages: 2
Language: English

Abstract: 
In this paper, the need to accurately assess the durability of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures while taking into account the presence of cracks is reviewed. The development and use of service life models to predict the deterioration of concrete structures are examined. Most of these service life models are based on the philosophy of uncracked concrete, which leads to an over-estimation of the performance of the structure. The South African Durability Index (DI) tests are utilised as indicators to characterise concrete and as input parameters for service life prediction models. The paper reviews literature on the influence of cracks on concrete durability and illustrates current work with regard to accounting for the presence of cracks in the DI approach. The aim of the research discussed in this paper is to improve the service life prediction of (cracked) in-service RC structures.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00