ABSTRACT

The design of concrete is usually based on i) empirical relationships between materials and the physicochemical and mechanical properties of concrete; and ii) experience with the effects of service environments on their performances. These approaches are based on the premise that concrete will have the desired life and there is no need to predict its service life. Usually concrete performs adequately for its design life; if not, premature degradation is often attributed to factors as poor quality control, improper characterization of (or unanticipated changes in) the service environment, or unanticipated changes in the use of the structure.