Service life evaluation in concrete rehabilitation – a sustainability benefit.

This paper discusses several repair design and maintenance practices to produce durable and sustainable concrete structures. Emphasis is given in the assessment and evaluation of deteriorated concrete structures. The evaluation and repair principles are demonstrated through case studies of deteriorated concrete structures. Concrete preservation is an important consideration to sustain both economic and natural resources. Concrete, like almost any other building material, is susceptible to deterioration during its service life. Repairing and extending the service life of concrete structures contributes to overall sustainability of materials and resources. Assessment and repair decisions should be based on a thorough evaluation consisting of visual inspection, nondestructive Testing (NDT), laboratory testing, and a service life evaluation analysis.