Future directions for design, specification, testing, and construction of durable concrete structures

Most failures of concrete structures result from inadequate durability due to inadequate durability design and execution. Building codes define exposure classifications and set requirements for each exposure mainly using deemed-to-satisfy limits that indirectly relate to durability. Durability performance tests are rarely specified, except on project-specific bases. Supplying concrete complying with code requirements does not guarantee that structures in severe exposures will be durable because durability design needs to address other influencing issues including minimizing the risk of cracking, and provision of sufficient curing, especially for concretes that develop their properties at slower rates. Concrete structures and infrastructure to be placed in severe exposures require durability standards that cover both concrete design and execution need to be developed including assigning responsibility to durability specialists. Limitations of current standards and issues that need to be addressed in development of future standards for both durability in design and durability in construction are discussed.