ABSTRACT
Most concrete structures are required to remain in service for at least 50 years. Usually deterioration is so slow that no early intervention is required. However, for some combinations of structure and environment, design or workmanship is inadequate and premature deterioration is an issue. Deterioration of concrete structures may arise internally due to the properties of materials or externally due to the surrounding environment. The deterioration of house building represents a huge cost in terms of unscheduled maintenance and repair as well as a potential public safety concern. This deterioration is expected to become increasingly important with time. According to the Department of Statistics Finland, the value of house building renovation was about 4.3 billion Euros in 2009, which was 35 per cent of the total value of house building construction.
