CONREPNET: Performance-based approach to the remediation of reinforced concrete structures: Achieving durable repaired c

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Stuart Matthews B Eng, PhD, C Eng, CSci, FICE, FIStructE, MCIWEM is both a chartered engineer and a chartered scientist. He has extensive experience in civil engineering and building, having been in practice for over 30 years. He has worked for various organisations including a water authority, contractor, consultant and specialist test house, before joining BRE in 1992 to undertake research and consultancy. He is currently Chief Engineer Construction Division, BRE and was previously Director of the Centre for Concrete Construction, BRE. Recently, he acted as the Co-ordinator of the CONREPNET Thematic Network. His experience includes structural inspection, investigation, assessment and monitoring of existing structures, including specialist non-destructive testing methods such as radar. He has also been involved in full-scale structural testing, structural service life assessment, investigation of structural failures, deterioration of reinforced concrete and other types of structures, as well as methods of protection, repair and structural strengthening to extend the useful life and durability of concrete structures. He has participated in numerous national and international committees. He has authored or contributed to the development of various state-of-the-art and best-practice guidance documents in these fields. He also has undertaken many consultancy commissions, including expert witness work. Correspondence: Stuart Matthews, Building Research Establishment Ltd, Bucknall’s Lane, Garston WD25 9XX, UK; Tel: + 44 (0) 1923 664559; Fax: + 44 (0) 1923 664786; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.bre.co.uk

Abstract There are considerable pressures, including considerations of environmental sustainability, for the life of existing buildings and infrastructure to be extended. This will require industry to deliver more durable and effective measures for the protection and repair of concrete structures. A thematic network on the performance-based remediation of reinforced concrete structures was established to help address these issues. Known as CONREPNET, this European-funded thematic network was launched in Madrid in February 2003. The network has: 1. looked at the performance of previously repaired concrete structures; 2. reviewed current industry practices and research activities and 3. examined the contribution that a performance-based approach might make to meeting the above requirement. While the outcomes of the first two areas are of considerable interest by virtue of the findings from the three questionnaire surveys carried out, it is in the latter area that the greatest impact may arise and accordingly was the main focus of the network. The outcomes should be of interest not only to engineers, repair specialists and material suppliers, but also to informed owners. The latter group is perhaps the most important of all the stakeholders as they set the requirements for the others. Journal of Building Appraisal (2007) 3, 6–20. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jba.2950063

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