Durability Modeling to Determine Long Term Performance of Historic Concrete Structures

Abstract

Understanding the impact of material degradation, rates of deterioration, and condition state changes are critical in making sound repair choices for historic concrete structures. Forecasting remaining service life and planning for durability is critical, particularly when the subject structure is an irreplaceable landmark. By monitoring the long-term performance of a structure, a corrosion and degradation rates can be established. Multiple parameters on the subject reinforced concrete structure are tested and monitored. The data is then utilized in durability and service life models to understand where the structure is in regard to critical performance thresholds and when failures may occur. This approach, when applied to historic structures, can help provide an understanding of ‘anticipated remaining service life’ and to assist in developing a proactive repair. This will minimize future degradation to the historic building fabric. For this paper, an approach to carbonation-based durability models will be presented in relation to historic concrete buildings.