ABSTRACT
THE SPECIFICATION OF DURABILITY BY PERFORMANCE-WHEN? T A Harrison British Ready Mixed Concrete Association UK Radical Concrete Technology. Edited by R K Dhir and P C Hewlett. Published in 1996 by E & FN Spon, 2-6 Boundary Row, London SE1 8HN, UK. ISBN 0 419 21480 1. ABSTRACT. Durability performance tests can be used for research, a wide range of technical approvals varying from site approval to approval to include in a standard and as the basis for directly assessing specified performance requirements. Their evolution of use is likely to follow the sequence of research, technical approval then performance specification. Some requirements, such as cover to reinforcement and abrasion, are best placed directly on the structure while others, such as carbonation and chloride diffusion, can be adequately assessed on standardised concrete specimens made from fresh concrete. A number of tests take so long to complete that they only have a role as type approval tests while others are suitable for routine control. The current stage of development is summarised and an estimate given of the minimum time needed to standardise the various tests and criteria. Keywords: Durability, Performance, Technical approvals, Specification, Cover, Carbonation, Corrosion due to chlorides, Freeze/thaw.
