Conservation of concrete structures according to fib Model Code 2010

Abstract

Conservation of concrete structures forms an essential part of the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 (fib Model Code 2010). In particular, Chapter 9 of fib Model Code 2010 addresses issues concerning conservation strategies and tactics, conservation management, condition surveys, condition assessment, condition evaluation and decision‐making, making interventions and the recording of information for through‐life management.Chapter 9 incorporates the overall philosophy adopted in the development of fib Model Code 2010, which introduces a new integrated life cycle perspective into the design of concrete structures. Accordingly, Chapter 9 provides a response to concepts introduced earlier within fib Model Code 2010 relating to the service life design process, which requires the structure and its component parts to be allocated to a condition control category at the time of design. Different condition control categories are defined depending on factors such as the importance of the structure, its function, design service life, impact on third parties, environmental conditions, ease of maintenance and cost. The condition control levels and inspection regimes are defined in conjunction with these requirements. A through‐life management process, outlined in Chapter 9, provides feedback for service life design and allows the associated theoretical model employed to be updated, in turn facilitating the assessment of compliance with the original design objectives.An example of concrete structure conservation according to the fib Model Code 2010 concept is also presented.

fib Model Code 2020: Towards a general code for both new and existing concrete structures

“…This implies a need for optimizing design and construction procedures, enabling use of fit‐for‐purpose solutions and improving environmental performance, energy efficiency and cost‐effectiveness of construction technologies appropriate to the whole life‐cycle of the structures. It has been recognized that with the current state of knowledge significant steps can be made to improve the in‐service performance of structures (see Sakai et al ) and to incorporate efficiently and effectively the through‐life management strategy by considering this at the design stage (see Matthews et al ). Obviously, sustainability, through‐life management and life cycle perspective are important considerations for existing structures; however some additional issues apply as well, as discussed further below.…”

Value of Information (VoI) for the Chloride Content in Reinforced Concrete Bridges

“…In the Model Code 2010 [9], the choice of conservation strategy is seen as being dependent on numerous factors, the most important of which are: From these factors, only the factors related to the conservation of the serviceability limit state were observed in the analysis, i.e., the possible consequences of actual structural failure were not considered. According to [58], the conservation strategies were characterized based on their proactive versus reactive characteristics as follows: A proactive conservation strategy is based on preventive (or protective) interventions and measures. These measures are primarily intended to avoid and minimize future deterioration by implementing some form of treatment or taking action prior to damage becoming detectable.…”

“…This approach should enable early identification of problems and possible risk issues affecting the condition of the structure, and is hence deemed as desirable. Furthermore, the approach should potentially enable early preventive action to be taken to minimize the overall cost of ownership [58].…”

Conservation of stony materials in the built environment

“…Moreno et al 2006). A systematic of conservation strategies, especially for concrete structures, but applicable to other stony materials, can be found in Matthews and Bigaj-van Vliet (2013).…”