Controls and inspections for the durability of r.c. structures

Durability of reinforced concrete structures is a basic requirement in order to maintain the safety levels during the designed service life. To guarantee this requirement it is essential that controls and inspections, both in the design and construction phases and during the service life of the structures, are carried out. These can be used to analyze different design solutions, the real conditions of the structure and changes in performance over time. Thus the sustainability of reinforced concrete structures can be enhanced, by choosing in the design phase solutions that reduce the environmental impact and carrying out preventive action, reducing costs, resource consumption and emissions. As an example, the data of inspections, controls and monitoring of the reinforced concrete structures of the G. Meazza stadium in Milano are reported. These are used for the evaluation of the conservation conditions of the structure, the effectiveness of the repairs carried out over time and for the maintenance planning.