Designed for durability in reinforced concrete structures, and associated economics

Summary in English.Includes bibliographical references.This dissertation outlines a model developed to allow for the comparison of various design options on a life-cycle cost basis for reinforced concrete structures. The model consists of two interlinked components: the first part of the model is technical, and can be used to estimate the service life of a structure within a specified environment based on a set of prediction models; the second part of the model is used to determine the economic implications of the various design options over a specified evaluation period. The use of a particular predictive model is subject to the environment in which it was calibrated. In many cases the models which are presented were developed overseas and as such their values may not be directly applicable to South African environments. The approaches and development of the models are however useful and if calibrated to particular South African environments could be of considerable benefit. A survey of consulting engineers was also conducted to determine common perceptions of various durability related issues. The results of the survey are presented in this project. The size of the sample was relatively small and as such it would be inappropriate to apply the results categorically to all engineers or organisations. The survey is of value however in that it identifies some areas of potential opposition to the concept of designing for durability and highlights other areas where its acceptance and implementation may be more favourable