CONREPNET: Performance-based approach to the remediation of reinforced concrete structures: Achieving durable repaired concrete structures

Abstract

There are considerable pressures, including considerations of environmental sustainability, for the life of existing buildings and infrastructure to be extended. This will require industry to deliver more durable and effective measures for the protection and repair of concrete structures. A thematic network on the performance-based remediation of reinforced concrete structures was established to help address these issues. Known as CONREPNET, this European-funded thematic network was launched in Madrid in February 2003. The network has: looked at the performance of previously repaired concrete structures;reviewed current industry practices and research activities andexamined the contribution that a performance-based approach might make to meeting the above requirement.While the outcomes of the first two areas are of considerable interest by virtue of the findings from the three questionnaire surveys carried out, it is in the latter area that the greatest impact may arise and accordingly was the main focus of the network. The outcomes should be of interest not only to engineers, repair specialists and material suppliers, but also to informed owners. The latter group is perhaps the most important of all the stakeholders as they set the requirements for the others. © 2007 PALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTD.