What are the factors necesary to Build Durable Concrete Structures??

YOU need good concrete to make durable structures than you need good construction process.

GOOD CONCRETE

Suitable cement

Good quality aggregates and chemicals

Good concrete mix...less water...less permeable...

GOOD CONSTRUCTION

Proper pouring and compaction procedure

Proper curing after construction

design of structer is depend on soil.natural calamity,and use of structer, perfection in construction gives long life, old sturcter of more than 100years are still standing as it is, why? because all are in well plumbed90 degree maintened now days we are looking after time not after quality, quality of construction is must for long life.

design of structer is depend on soil.natural calamity,and use of structer, perfection in construction gives long life, old sturcter of more than 100years are still standing as it is, why? because all are in well plumbed90 degree maintened now days we are looking after time not after quality, quality of construction is must for long life.

First and the formost important thing is geographical location of the structure, is it near to sea or water bed, or in an earthquake zone, there is need to find out the soil condition. Once this is determined then planning is easy.

If the basic ingredients are of good quality then there should not be a problem, we need to look at the quality of aggregates, cement and ofcourse the water. Check the slump of the concrete at site, check the water cement ratio, laying and finishing of the concrete try to avoid cold joints, where ever it's not possible use bonding agents, provide proper protection to the underground structure waterproof and anticorrosive coating treat the soil with anti termite injection this is one time expenditure but'll increase the durability of the structure. retain the slope and proper drainage system to clear water from the surface. Yes the most important, cure the concrete surface properly to avoid shrinkage cracks.

Minimum stress levels as well as maximum fatigue life ensures that structure will not fail in future because of design deficiencies.

Corrosion protection, Environmental friendly ingreadients are also in the long run necessary. For that regular maintenance is necessary!!

Durablity of concrete is based on a successful design that comply & satisfy the relavent standards.

The impermeable nature of concrete makes it a sort of inert material, however it does goes through cycle of reaction from outside as well as within.

Now a days various test define the durability of any concrete mix like water absorption test, air content, rapid chlorine alongwith stregth criteria.

The soil content, study of environment where the concrete has to be used can play an important role to set up standards for a durable concrete mix design.

The agrregate, size, chemical analysis, sand, water & cement with all their properties is not less important to define durability of concrete.

The last, the the way we pour concrete...It has to be done properly by satisfying the standards to maximum extent to compliment mic design.

The subject is a vast subject & every content of it can be explained in details that finally produce a durable concrete.

As above Anjali & krishna have beautifully mentioned about matching the materials and about proper combination it is also important to protect them from deterioration, Most concrete deterioration can be attributed to water penetration. Since concrete absorbs moisture until it becomes saturated, preventing water from collecting on surfaces is of prime importance, By providing sufficient slopes and effective drainage hardware, it is possible to prevent water from ponding and thus from being absorbed.

So people this is more important i guess!!!

We can add XYPEX kind crystalline products into concrete mix design, as this not only make concrete water tight, it also protects the concrete from Chloride ion diffusion and reduces the sulphate attack, hence enhancing the durability of concrete. Various international test has been conducted to support this claims.

Many people has a fixed mindset that Ordinary portland Cement is best cement than other type. OPC may be quick to achieve strength but from durability context,PSC & PPC are far ahead. If durability of concrete structure is to be ensured then designmixes using PSC & PPC cement should be favoured.