PERFORMANCE BASED APPROACH OFTHE DURABILITY OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES:INTRODUCTION AND EXAMPLESOF APPLICATION TO THE NETWORKOF THE CENTRE-EST DIR

Abstract

The paper presents a new performance based approach to thedurability of concrete structures as it is exposed in the technicalguide published by LCPC in March 2010. It describes the sixsteps of this methodology: the choice of the design working life,the consideration of environmental conditions and main risks ofdamage dealt with, the selection of durability indicators andrelated specifications, the formulation of concrete incorporatingthe tests for study, convenience and control, and the way toestablish the zero state of the durability of the structure on site.To support this approach and take the measure of possibledifficulties of implementation, the “Centre Est”Interdepartmental Directorate of Roads has tested this newmethod on two of its projects: • a viaduct in Saône et Loire Department at Volesvres with thetests generated by the performance approach in parallel with aconventional CCTP and normal controls. This structure hasalso been equipped with electrochemical corrosion sensors formonitoring the real effect of carbonation and chloridepenetration;• a viaduct in Allier Department on the deviation of Montluçonby drafting the CCTP according to a durability approachspecified over 100 years through a porosity to water below12% and a permeability to gas below 150 10-18m2without anyother additional requirements than those conforming to thestandards for components.The article concludes with the first feedback on the scientific,practical and organizational aspects, as well as with thepotential benefits in developing sustainable infrastructuredesign.