Preventive Measures Taken by the Specifier, Ready-mix Supplier, Contractor and Owner in Ensuring the Serviceability of Concrete Structures

摘要

Today's practising engineer is concerned with preserving the designed function of a structure with all types of deterioration. The complexity involved in current designs, the proliferation of new materials and services, and OSHA requirements however, make the design engineer's job demanding. An overview of durability problems arising from materials and techniques shows that specifiers, contractors and owners are often concerned more with the consequential problems than the primary cause. Our response should be at the stage of the primary cause (Figure 1). The errors are likely to be minimized if the concrete is made more durable. This will require clearer and more pertinent specifications that are enforced; the provision of better quality control by ready mixed concrete producers, proper handling, placing and curing by contractors and good maintenance practice by owners.