Challenges in Concrete Structures Management

Components of concrete structures maintenance that represent major challanges to engineers are discussed and referred to the examples from practice. Repair and reconstruction works on reinforced concrete structures are not only expensive, but technically demanding tasks and very difficult to perform. Therefore, the decision to repair or replace a structure should be taken only after extensive investigation works and structural analysis. To ensure efficient structure management it is necessary to predict service life of new or already damaged structures utilizing a numerical model able to realistically simulate deterioration processes and its effects on safety of a structure. Activities on management system of the seven large reinforced concrete arches on the Croatian coast are briefly described highlighting importance of consistent maintenance policy.