Remaining service-life predictions: Experiences of Dutch investigations

摘要

The European durability concept for concrete (DuraCrete) provides means for comparing objectively various designs as opposed to more subjective methods like 'engineering judgment'. However, design concepts and durability models need to be validated. In 2001 in the Netherlands a large scale research program started to investigate six concrete structures in marine environment, ranging in age between 20-40 years. When original design parameters are put in DuraCrete the model can predict the situation at the time of assessment. Thorough assessments of the condition of the six structures lead to a large amount of data that was used to validate the current DuraCrete models. This paper discusses the main results of the investigation that lead to guidelines for the Netherlands. It includes generalized findings of the conditions of the investigated structures; it gives predicted results of the DuraCrete model, with comments and recommendations for further research.