A practical carbonation model for service life design of reinforced concrete structures

The “Durability Index” (DI) performance-based approach, developed in South Africa, involves the application of early-age concrete test methods together with service life prediction models, and links material properties directly expected reinforced (RC) structures under various environmental conditions. Oxygen Permeability Index (OPI) DI is based on permeation relates to carbonation concrete. As practised Africa (e.g. Committee Transport Officials (COTO)), this approach requires durability considerations be introduced design mixture, provides a quantification duration. This paper presents tool existing models for use practical applications design, assuming OPI method, representing probabilistic design. can applied predicting long-term performance new RC as well improving basis quality assessment existing, newly built structures. exemplified using actual data reported literature.