The DuraCrete approach

In the past years much efforts have been spent on a new design approach for the durability of existing and new concrete structures. The results of these efforts can be seen in recent work of several international scientific committees of Rilem, CEB, CIB and FIER These have finally resulted in the Brite/Euram project DuraCrete where a design manual has been developed for a service life design of concrete structures. The new design method is based on performances (both serviceability and ultimate limit states), reliability and a distinct design service life. This is in contrast with the conventional design approach, that is based on deem-to-satisfy rules, mainly to prevent degradation of the concrete