Greener, cheaper, or more sustainable: Reviewing sustainability assessments of maintenance strategies of concrete structures

Concrete is the most widely used material in construction and infrastructure, often reinforced by steel to improve tensile strength. Despite its enduring popularity, material's inherent weaknesses – namely corrosion damage fatigue combined with ageing poses a challenge both decision-makers civil engineers optimise sustainable infrastructure services. This article explores synthesises potential of maintenance repair methods using concrete cement-based composite materials. We draw on published case studies where sustainability assessments have been applied within this field. also included cases that describe themselves as type assessment, but lack assessment all dimensions. Our research aims, firstly, identify what interventions were assessed means criteria. Second, it basic conceptual understanding which underlies each assessment. Third, analyses many methodological choices made for system boundaries, selection indicators, or forms aggregation. systematic literature review develop evidence-based management knowledge; shows current are diverse regarding their scope, levels detail, overall quality. Although there trend towards more holistic types environmental economic dominated our sample, global warming energy consumed being reported. External costs, if drive score, while life cycle only three cases. The critical challenging issues shown be long-term orientation measures complexity undertaking truly To end, we stimulated scholarly discussion further progress align good practices identified review, call greater application these industry.