Prevenzione - Tecnologia del calcestruzzo, messa in opera e controlli

This paper, which follows those on the design for durability with prescriptive and performance-based approaches, focuses on the importance of the practical implementation of the design choices aimed at the durability of a reinforced concrete structure. First of all, it shows how the design phase should address durability issues under different aspects (in addition to those already analyzed in the previous papers of this focus). On the one hand it is important to select construction details that lead to the formation of micro-climates that do not promote degradation, but instead make the structure less susceptible to the action of aggressive agents. On the other hand, it also reminds the role of concrete technology and the possibilities it offers both by using ordinary materials and special concretes. Then it stresses the importance of formulating clear design requirements on the materials, construction details and techniques of quality control. The placement and curing of concrete are the times when the design choices are put in practice through a series of quality controls which should be successful in ensuring the fulfilment of design requirements. Finally, the role of planned inspection and maintenance as tools for durability, especially for those structures exposed to aggressive environments, is stressed. A systematic control of the structure during its service life allows a constant update of the initial design decisions, by reformulating predictions on the service life, and thus anticipate any corrective action that might be necessary, with significant savings on future maintenance cost.