On the importance of execution for obtaining the designed durability of reinforced concrete structures

The design and execution of reinforced concrete structures shall together with planned maintenance lead to the intended level of safety and serviceability during the entire service life of the structure. The possible impact of execution on the performance of the finished concrete structure is not always recognized; e.g., is pre-testing of alternative mixes often undertaken at laboratory conditions. Mix design should include an assessment of the stability and property development of the concrete at the anticipated execution conditions as well as an evaluation of the robustness of the concrete to natural variations in mix composition and execution. Through selected examples the paper addresses the importance of execution for obtaining the designed performance and durability of reinforced concrete structures.