TG8.1 - Model technical specification for repairs and interventions

Task Group 8.1 has prepared a Guide (to good practice) on protection, repair, and strengthening techniques for concrete structures. Given the guide's extensive scope, it has been divided into two publications: bulletin 102, which addresses protection and repair methods, and bulletin 103, which focuses on strengthening methods. The chapters aim to provide practical guidelines and illustrative case studies to support the application of the pre-normative specifications in fib Model Code 2020.

For each protection, repair and strengthening method addressed in the Guide, readers have a description of when to adopt it, which materials and systems are required, which techniques are available, and what kind of equipment is needed. It then presents a summary of stakeholders’ roles and qualifications, design guidelines referring to most relevant codes and references, the intervention procedure, quality control measures and monitoring and maintenance activities.

A technical report titled “Restoring Reinforcement Passivity Through Replacement of Concrete Cover” is currently under review by members of Commission 8. Upon the publication of this report, Task Group 8.1 will have fulfilled its objectives, leading to its disbandment.

Convener
Eduardo Júlio

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TG8.4 - Life cycle cost (LCC) - Design life and/or replacement cycle

The work of TG8.4 comprises the preparation of a state-of-the-art report on LCC including the following:

• A flow chart for life cycle cost analyses;
• Examples and/or case studies concerning life cycle cost evaluations of design strategies,including narratives and consequences of the favoured strategy;
• A risk analysis covering costs and benefits;
• Identification of hazard scenarios (weak points);
• Discussion on the value added by the LCC analyses including:
• Design;
• Inspection;
• Testing;
• Monitoring;
• Birth Certificate;
• Inspectability;
• Interventions.
• Reference to relevant fib documents.

Convener
José A. Campos e Matos

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TG8.8 - Design approaches

Throughout durability design there are a number of common inputs that should be handled in a consistent approach, e.g. reliability, cracking, exposure risk assessment, verification approaches.

This Task Group will maintain approaches that are consistent across different materials and durability design approaches consistency and provide liaison with other Commissions to ensure consistency across all aspects of Model Code.

The scope:

• This Task Group shall investigate various aspects that have a common impact on modelling of deterioration mechanisms but the TG is not directly involved in the mechanisms or materials.
• Many of these items are fundamental to all aspects of structural design and cannot be considered durability issues alone. However, the issues are key to durability design.

The work in TG8.8 is currently carried out in the Working Groups below.

Convener
Steinar Helland

Co-Convener
Joanitta Ndawula

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TG8.9 - Deterioration Mechanisms Related to Corrosion

TG8.9 will investigate models for the following deterioration processes: Rebar Corrosion Initiation; Rebar Corrosion Propagation; Abrasion, Erosion and Cavitation; Freeze Thaw Attack; Leaching; Water and Water Vapour Migration and Chemical Attack.

In MC2010 and Bulletin 34, some of these mechanisms have only loosely defined models and some have no models. MC2010 also has limited advice for exposure classes, performance tests, deemed to satisfy requirements and avoidance approaches.

The scope:

• This Task Group shall investigate prediction tools (models)
• Derive revised design rules, which ensure sufficient durability close to broadly accepted reliability levels of limit states identified in TG8.8 and to be considered in TG8.9 and TG3.4
• The TG will provide specific input into MC2020 but is expected to continue as a COM8 TG to continuously develop the solutions for the issues listed.

Convener
Carmen Andrade

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TG8.11 - Testing and Monitoring

Durability design of concrete structures may incorporate a number of performance-based requirements depending on the deterioration mechanisms and exposure conditions to consider. While exposure definitions and performance-based requirements are dealt with in other fib TG’s, well documented test procedures for relevant materials properties are needed for support of the durability design and subsequent quality assurance. This includes well-founded probabilistic definitions for those properties.

The objective of Task Group 8.11 is to provide guidance on test methods and corresponding acceptance criteria and testing frequencies concerning quality assurance of concrete production. Furthermore, the objective is to link performance-requirements of concrete as yielded from durability design with the execution. For the latter, all stages of concrete production, i.e. pre-testing in the laboratory, trial testing in laboratory and on-site, and testing of running production are considered.

Convener
Franziska Schmidt

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TG8.12 - Deterioration mechanisms related to other phenomena

Task Group 8.12 has a focus of addressing all durability phenomena other than corrosion due to chlorides and carbonation. The phenomena include Freeze Thaw, Chemical Attack, Abrasion/Erosion/Cavitation, and Internal Attacks (ASR / DEF).

Convener
Leandro Sánchez

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TG7.1 - Sustainable Concrete - general framework

Affordability, availability and variability of concrete in connection with strength and durability has made concrete the most used construction material in the world. Use of advanced concrete structures represents important potential in the way towards sustainability of built environment. Concrete and concrete structures should contribute to the development of a sustainably built environment in a socially, environmentally and economically responsible manner.

Definition of a basic framework of sustainable concrete design and an assessment considering environmental, economic and social aspects. The framework will focus on different types of concrete structures - buildings, bridges, roads, water structures etc. and their construction and operation in various specific regional conditions. The entire life cycle will be considered.

Commission Chair
Petr Hájek

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TG7.3 - Concrete made with recycled materials – Life cycle perspective

The objective of TG7.3 is to collect statistical data on concrete production, waste generation and those related to resource recycling in the world. The objective also includes an investigation of:

• the properties of recycled materials for concrete made from waste and by-products,
• the properties of concrete with recycled materials and their applications
• concrete recycling technologies, and
• the environmental impact caused during recycling of concrete waste.

Finally, TG7.3 will publish a state-of-the-art report on concrete with recycled materials such as demolished concrete, ceramics, glass, ashes, organic waste, etc. and to propose the ideal future for recycling concrete resources considering aspects of durability and recyclability of concrete, and minimising the environmental impact in the life cycle.

Convener
Takafumi Noguchi

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TG7.5 - Environmental product declarations (EPD) and equivalent performance of concrete

The objective of Task Group 7.5 will be two-fold:

• to recommend preferred approaches (road maps) for establishing "equivalent performance" of low environmental impact concrete typically containing high amounts of supplementary cementitious materials and therefore in terms of composition falls outside the prescriptions found in existing standards/regulations. By equivalent performance is understood that the concrete has acceptable production, structural and durability properties for its intended use. Clear road maps for establishing equivalent performance are a prerequisite and will likely act as a catalyst for increased use of such lower environmental impact concrete compositions to the benefit of the global community.
• to establish best available technologies for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) on concrete compositions (mix designs). EPDs are an emerging means, which, if performed on a common basis, allow a comparison of the environmental impact of different concrete compositions/products. As such, EPDs may be used by the consumer (end-user) to make a qualified decision concerning the choice of concrete, e.g. as requirements to the environmental performance can be verified and therefore also specified.

Convener
Costantino Menna

Co-Convener
Ladin Camci

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TG7.6 - Resilient structures

The objective of this task group is to highlight criticalities in current structural design practice and to provide fundamentals to address the design, the maintenance and the retrofit principles towards resilient structures in sustainable urban systems, and more broadly, in view of smart cities.

TG7.6 aims to develop guidelines to help diverse stakeholders involved within such processes to face resilience issues through a multiscale approach.

These guidelines will approach resilience issues according to a multiscale approach, starting from the single building scale. Structural design principles are rethought from the point of view of the practicality, reparability, robustness and serviceability in the aftermath of a catastrophe. Particularly, performance goals are recognised to define new resilience-based limit states, in order to enhance disaster preparedness and response of urban structures. Innovative and novel standards and metrics are implemented within the guidelines, as a support to the development of post-event strategic intervention, protection and response technologies and recovery strategies.

Convener
Domenico Asprone

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TG7.7 - Sustainable concrete masonry components and structures

Current requirements on energy efficiency, building comfort and sustainability have stimulated a growing use of new concrete technologies for construction and retrofit of (i) load-bearing walls in unreinforced, reinforced and confined masonry buildings and (ii) cladding, infill and partition walls in reinforced concrete or steel framed building structures. In that respect, researchers, designers, construction companies and building owners have paid special attention to the use of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and light-weight aggregate concrete (LWAC) with recycled waste aggregates for production of innovative concrete masonry units (CMUs). It is also emphasised that CMUs may be formulated with special aggregates to produce specific colours or textures for finish use.

The scope and objective of TG7.7 will move in that direction in order to develop a general methodology for construction, design, assessment and retrofit of concrete masonry panels and walls.

Convener
Fulvio Parisi

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TG7.8 - Recycled Materials and industrial by-products for high performance reinforced concrete structures

The objective of Task Force 7.8 within fib Commission 7 is to address the sustainable use of materials through the effective exploitation of waste materials and industrial by-products, for the production of high-performance concrete with enhanced durability.

The objective of the task group 7.8 is to highlight critical aspects in current practice in waste recycling and use of secondary materials for high performance concrete. It shall address the state of the art, best practice and also identify and analyse gaps in the exploitation of waste materials with potential for delivery of high-performance durable concrete.

The task group aims at developing a framework for guidelines to help different stakeholders involved within the recycling industry and the producers of HPC, in order to facilitate the production and classification of materials but also their exploitation for HPC optimisation.

The Task Force is to address the following key areas:

• The production of high-performance concrete based on waste and industrial by-products.
• Use of waste materials as a substitute for aggregate
• Use of by-products as supplementary cementitious materials.
• Resilience of reinforced concrete structures with improved structural performance through the application of industrial by-products for safe structures, promoting sustainability practices.
• LCA applications & integrated end of life considerations for waste recycling to produce high performance concrete.
• Framework for Guidelines for the production and classification of waste and its application in high performance concrete.

Convener
Ruben Paul Borg

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TG6.1 - Precast floors & floors for precast structures

Over the past decade, Task Group 6.1 has concentrated on updating design recommendations for precast prestressed hollow-core slab floors, aligning them with the latest advancements in the field. Looking ahead, the objective is to expand this focus to provide a more holistic perspective on precast floor systems. This next phase seeks to develop technical bulletins, or sections within a single bulletin, with each part addressing specific aspects of flooring relevant to different types of precast floors and flooring systems for precast structures.

A primary objective is the dissemination of knowledge through seminars, educational initiatives, and engagement with standardization bodies. The goal is for this bulletin to become a benchmark for precast and flooring systems, shaping best practices throughout the industry. Additionally, the task group will offer design and calculation examples to ensure that engineers and designers can implement these guidelines effectively. These practical resources will act as educational tools for both experienced professionals and emerging engineers, potentially with support from the Young Members Group.

Convener
Stef Maas

Co-convener
Ronald Klein-Holte

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TG6.2 - Quality control for precast concrete

The goal of Task Group 6.2 (TG6.2) is to prepare a state-of-the-art report describing the steps, procedures and rules for the quality control of precast concrete, with respect to both production and product quality, to improve the quality of prefabricated construction.

The report produced is intended to serve as a basic specification guide for plants and produced precast concrete elements, defining a program of quality control to monitor the production by measurement or by comparison to acceptable standards. The following topics will be included:

• plant quality assurance program;
• material and accessories;
• production;
• transport and erection;
• recommended testing equipment;
• quality control operations;
• maintenance.

Convener
Holger Karutz

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TG6.3 - Sustainability of structures with precast elements

Sustainability is considered to be one of the main aspects of the future of construction, thus of prefabrication as well. COM6 and PCI work in close cooperation since 2008 on issues of mutual interest, with the comparison of respective approaches and the development of common publications. PCI has produced various works dealing with the sustainability of precast structures and is currently developing a large investigation program on this subject. The fib has also developed a large amount of work on sustainability. Presently, the work regarding solely sustainability is being developed in COM7 and in TG.10.1 for the MC2020.

The first activity of TG6.3 will be the study of the most recent works developed on sustainability and in particular Life Cycle Assessment regarding structures where precast concrete elements are used. Then, the TG worked on the drafting of recommendations regarding the study and assessment of precast concrete elements and structures, with respect to sustainability. This covered all aspects regarding this kind of structures, from planning, design, execution, use, maintenance, and remedial activities, up to dismantling, reuse and recycling. This conclusion of this work of the TG was the publication of the joint PCI-fib Bulletin 88 Sustainability of precast structures.

Then, the TG moved on to develop a proposal of a multi-criteria decision-making model that can be used for the assessment of the sustainability of structures with precast elements.

At the moment, the TG is working on a roadmap of sustainability performance-based design for structures with precast elements.

Convener
Albert de la Fuente

Co-Convener
Irene Josa

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TG6.4 - Precast concrete towers for wind power generators

Wind energy production is a growing industry. The energy produced is renewable and environmentally cleaner than most production means.

Supports for the wind energy generators may be built with precast concrete elements, which can be a competitive solution compared to other structural systems.

The evolution of technology for wind energy production shows a clear need for larger wind turbines and, consequently, taller towers. Experience also shows that precast solutions are even more competitive with higher towers.

Offshore wind farms have some advantages over onshore wind farms, which explain recent investments in the area. In this case, the durability of concrete in the marine environment, compared to steel gives greater advantage to precast concrete solutions.

TG6.4 will produce a state-of-the-art report analysing and discussing the main issues related to conception, design, detailing, construction and environmental aspects of precast structural solutions.

Convener
Juan-Carlos Lancha

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TG6.5 - Precast concrete bridges

Precast concrete bridges are frequently used in almost every country. Nevertheless, while it would ppear that similar practices are generally followed, the reality is that different places and cultures follow different traditions and conventions.

The group will connect the work of both PCI and fib. PCI has developed a large amount of information and publications on precast bridges.

The group will also connect the work of both Commission 1 “Concrete Structures” and Commission 6 “Prefabrication”. Both Commissions have been working on the subject of bridges, Commission 1 has an active task group on bridges and has recently published Bulletin 32 “Guidelines for the design of footbridges”. On the other hand, Commission 6 has published a state-of-the-art report regarding precast bridges, Bulletin 23 “Precast Concrete Bridges”.

The scope of the activity of the group will be the study of the most recent work that has been developed regarding bridges with precast elements and to provide design recommendations for owners, designers, contractors and precasters. The recommendations will cover all possible aspects, including planning, design, execution, use, maintenance and remedial activities and finally demolition, reuse and recycling.

Convener
Marcello Waimberg

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TG6.6 - Retrofitting of precast seismic structures

Topics to be covered within the bulletin could be:

• lessons learned and damage observation or better damage mechanisms observed in previous earthquake and associated performance of precast buildings;
• list of typical critical or less critical vulnerabilities of this class of buildings;
• simplified assessment methodology based on different levels of complexity, from quick screening (pre- or post-damage) without drawings to quick evaluation with drawings, to more detailed analysis and ultimately numerical analysis (computer based);
• overarching retrofit strategies (e.g. drift control or local ductility, thus implying a combination of global vs. local intervention);
• scenario/flowcharts of possible techniques (presented only conceptually but with practical aspects) to fulfil/achieve the targeted retrofitted performance;
• high-level (schematic) discussion of pros and cons of each retrofit solution including cost, invasiveness, downtime and other indirect but important parameters for the owner, tenants, insurer etc.

Convener
Stefano Pampanin

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TG6.8 - Terminology for precast concrete

In fib bulletins, the terminology and language used was not uniformly understood by experts from various countries throughout the world.

The objective is to create a technical report that lists the common terminology used in the prefabrication industry along with an explanation describing the terms. There may be multiple terms used with the same definition.

Convener
Jason Krohn

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TG6.9 - Precast parking structures

Besides the traffic congestion, one of the most prevalent problems in large urban agglomerations where cars are the dominant mode of transportation, vehicles spend most of the time parked. Particularly in the central areas both challenges are interrelated, since looking for parking spaces, causes congestion in circulation.

Precast concrete is generally used in the constructions of structures and buildings facilitating urban mobility (e.g. airports, stations, bridges, etc.). Precast concrete offers important advantages: large spans by using prestressed elements, speed of erection, low environmental impact, low maintenance costs and many more.

The fib published Bulletin 74, prepared by the Commission 6, an important tool to promote the use of precast concrete. It has been written to help architects and engineers to achieve a full understanding of precast concrete building structures, the possibilities they offer and their specific design philosophy.

Despite the fact this bulletin mentions the advantages of precast concrete in parking garages several times, there is a clear need to inspire designers and architects with more examples and best practices from all over the world, considering new local needs.

The purpose of this TG is to produce a State-of-the-Art Report.

This report should encourage architects and designers to use precast (prestressed) concrete for car parking structures. The report will gather examples from all over the world showing how functional, safety and aesthetics requirements can be fulfilled by using precast concrete.

The report shows the variety of precast concrete elements that can be used for this specific type of buildings, depending on the conceptual design and the aesthetic requirements.

Convener
Pieter van der Zee

Co-Convener
Iria Doniak

Co-Convener
Larbi Sennour

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TG6.11 - Social Impact of Precast Concrete

Task Group 6.11 focuses on the social impact of precast concrete throughout the entire life cycle of precast concrete elements and structures. In addition to the economic and ecological benefits of precast concrete, it is essential to analyse the social consequences for various stakeholders, including workers, users, local communities, and society at large.

Precast concrete has the potential to optimize economic costs and mitigate environmental impacts. At the same time, it is crucial to consider social consequences. Utilizing Social Life Cycle Analysis (SLCA), this task group aims to evaluate the effects on different groups. The insights will contribute to a better understanding of how precast concrete can have both positive and negative social impacts.

The increasing adoption of precast concrete in construction necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its social implications. The members of Task Group 6.11 recognize a significant potential for positive social impact arising from the use of precast concrete. By enhancing construction efficiency, reducing disruption to local communities, and improving the quality of structures, precast concrete can contribute to better living conditions and economic opportunities. As precast construction evolves, so do the relationships and impacts on various stakeholders, highlighting the need for focused analysis and recommendations.

The primary objectives of Task Group 6.11 are:

• Analysis of social impact: Investigating the social effects of precast concrete during the construction, use, and decommissioning phases, utilizing SLCA to evaluate the impacts on various groups.
• Stakeholder engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders in the process to gather different perspectives.
• Developing recommendations: Formulating guidelines to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive social outcomes.

Convener
Irene Josa

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TG6.12 - Precast concrete modular buildings

Currently, significant housing pressures, particularly in large touristic cities, drive up prices and force families and students to relocate to the outskirts. Simultaneously, natural disasters - exacerbated by climate change - and armed conflicts are occurring with increasing frequency across the globe, underscoring the urgent need for temporary shelters and field hospitals that can be deployed quickly. Addressing these diverse challenges in a fast, high-quality, and cost-effective manner requires a focused effort to modernize and adapt the construction industry, particularly through a renewed emphasis on concrete prefabrication combined with modularization.

The planned fib bulletin (a guide to good practice) will provide guidelines for the use of precast concrete modules to build different types of buildings, from temporary buildings for emergency situations to multi-storey buildings with different kinds of use, such as residential buildings, students’ residences, office buildings, hospitals, schools and others.

Convener
Eduardo Julio

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TG5.1 - FRP Reinforcement for concrete structures

The main objectives of TG5.1 are:

• The elaboration of design guidelines in accordance with the design format of the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 (“fib MC2010”) and Eurocode 2.
• Link with other initiatives regarding material testing and characterisation & development of standard test methods.
• Participation in the international forum in the field of advanced composite reinforcement, stimulating the use of FRP for concrete structures.
• Guidance on practical execution of concrete structures reinforced/prestressed/strengthened by FRP.

Convener
Stijn Matthys

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TG5.2 - Reinforcing steels and systems

fib TG5.2 will consider all aspects related to reinforcing steels and systems from design to manufacturing, testing and final installation, use and maintenance. It will initially focus on developing a new manual which provides guidance and rules for detailing reinforcing steel. This document is intended to provide the general principles of good detailing practice and not to act as a comprehensive detailing manual. In addition, TG5.2 will address other topics considered high priority, and will create sub-groups to work on particular subjects as needed.

Areas of interest:

• review of the reinforcing steel grades available on the market (strength, ductility, bond, fatigue, durability properties) and relevant concrete structure design codes;
• manual for reinforcing materials and systems;
• technical report on fabrication of reinforcement;
• state of the knowledge on the bond properties of reinforcing steels;
• state of the knowledge on the fatigue resistance properties of reinforcing steels.

Convener
Ladin Camci

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TG5.3 - Prestressing materials and systems

Since Eugène Freyssinet’s first of use high-strength steel wire for prestressing concrete in the late 1920s, there have been many changes in prestressing systems used around the world. Current systems bear little resemblance to many of the older methods used in the past. Designers and contractors need information regarding these historical practices and materials to evaluate existing prestressed concrete in need of repair and to determine effective strategies to extend service life and enhance performance. Further, as new technologies are developed, they are often used in some countries but not in others.

TG5.3 has established two goals:

• to develop a state-of-the-art report describing the evolution and development of prestressing systems and to identify recent innovations and advances,
• to develop a new bulletin that provides recommendations for the installation of post-tensioning systems.

Convener
Tommaso Ciccone

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TG5.4 - Recommendations for ground anchor systems

The overall motivation of TG5.4 is to establish a modern recommendation for the qualification of ground anchor systems.

The main objective of TG5.4 is to prepare a bulletin entitled “Recommendation for ground anchor systems” based on and updating earlier documents such as the “Recommendations for the design and construction of ground anchors”, 1996. The recommendations will include significant content for qualification of ground anchor systems covering prestressed permanent and temporary anchors.

Convener
Matthias Ryser

Co-Convener
Xiaomeng Wang

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TG5.5 - Cables for cable supported bridges

fib Bulletin 89, Acceptance of cable systems using prestressing steels, as an update of the previous fib Bulletin 30 was published in 2019.

The goal of TG5.5 is to work on selected individual topics related to cable systems for a further future update of Bulletin 89. The topics will be addressed one after the other and published in a few individual technical reports or recommendations before they will be included in a full revision of Bulletin 89.

Workflow and Timeline:

• Fire protection and fire testing of cables: 2020 - 2025
• Damper/damping requirements: 2022 - 2026
• Icing / ice mitigation of cables: 2026 - 2028
• Update on inspection technologies of cables
• SHMS for cable stayed bridges with post-data processing
• Illumination of stay cables
• Terrorism protection of cables

New recommendations on fire protection of stay cables is expected to be published in 2025.

Convener
Werner Brand

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TG5.10 - Inspection and monitoring of reinforced/prestressed concrete structures

Maintenance of aging infrastructure (buildings, bridges, tunnels, etc.) is a significant part of both public, and private-entities’ budgets. The worldwide infrastructure and property maintenance costs are estimated to be EUR 180 billion per year. These costs depend on industry sector, age of the assets and governmental regulations. They highly affect the financial situation of public bodies and the profitability of enterprises.

There is a need to develop a guideline document to cover state-of-the-art inspection method statements, available sensor technologies including emerging digital solutions and remote sensing (e.g. drone inspection).

The required time for the development of this guideline is estimated between two to three years. The rough and high-level schedule is suggested as follows:

• First 6 to 9 months focused on building up the team and finalize the definition of the scope and content. Both are interlinked;
• Next 12 to 18 months working on developing the content of the different chapters;
• Final 6 to 9 months to finalize the first draft, including editorial review, before its submission to the TG 5.10 and C5;
• Finally, some time is expected to engage the peer reviewers and answer questions/comments received from the TG 5.10 and C5.

Convener
Antonio Caballero

Co-Convener
Jan Winkler

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