| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/G025096/1 |
| Title: |
Development of a performance-based methodology for assessing concrete durability |
| Principal Investigator: |
McCarter, Professor WJ |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of the Built Environment |
| Organisation: |
Heriot-Watt University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research |
| Starts: |
04 March 2009 |
Ends: |
03 June 2012 |
Value (£): |
354,019
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Civil Engineering Materials |
Materials Characterisation |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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17 Sep 2008
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Engineering Socio-Technical Systems
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Announced
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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A lack of reliable, consistent and standardised test procedures for evaluating concrete performance is frequently cited as a major barrier to the adoption of performance specifications and that the appropriate testing technology has not been sufficiently developed to satisfy performance-based philosophy. Indeed, performance-related design methods now permitted under EN 206-1: 2000 Annex J which states that 'such a method may be based on satisfactory experience with local practices in local environments, on data from an established performance test method for the relevant mechanism or on the use of proven predictive model'. Central to the concept of performance-based specifications include the availability of reliable, repeatable test methods which can evaluate the required performance characteristic(s) along with performance compliance limits which should take into account the inherent variability of the test method. It is evident that test procedures and predictive models are required such that those properties of concrete which ensure long-term durability can be determined very early on in the life of a structure and that it will meet specified requirements. The situation is made more complex by the range of cements now available under BS EN 197 which defines a total of 27 products in the family of common cements. There is thus a need for quick, reliable performance tests for concrete durability which have to go far beyond current reliance on the 28-day compressive strength. The lack of adequate performance-related test methods is one of the main factors inhibiting the move from prescriptive to performance-based specifications and forms the focus of this proposal. Furthermore, since it is the cover which protects the steel from the external environment, attention is directed towards assessing the performance of this zone. It is set against this background that the programme of work aims to develop predictive models and exploit novel testing techniques which can then be used in a performance-based testing protocol in the assessment of concrete durability. The techniques will utilise both electrical property measurements and permeation characteristics of concrete as a means of quantifying durability and hence long term performance.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.hw.ac.uk |