Lebensdauermanagement von Stahlbetonbauwerken

Life Cycle Management of Concrete Structures

On the background of scarce public resources, life cycle management of infrastructure systems has gained increasing importance. This paper presents the core components of a state-ofthe-art life cycle management system for reinforced concrete structures. A service life design is one of the key elements. Depending on the governing deterioration mechanisms, it can be carried out on different levels of detail and thus enables an optimisation of durability by means of optimised concrete composition and choice of binder. Quality control tools during construction and after completion allow for an assessment of the actual quality. The results of the design and construction stage are then summarised in a so-called birth certificate which forms the basis for future inspection and maintenance planning. The results of the inspection again can be used to update the original service life design throughout the service life of the structure.