Concrete is the predominant construction material used in Australian buildings and infrastructure. Its performance is vital to provide the nation’s essential services and maintain its economic activities.
The key performance requirements for the design, construction and maintenance of concrete structures relate to safety, serviceability, and durability. The deterioration rate of such structures depends on the construction processes employed, the composition of the materials, and on the environment. Changes to climatic conditions may alter this environment, especially in the longer term, causing deterioration processes to be changed with implications for the safety, serviceability and durability of concrete infrastructure.
Decisions relating to infrastructure development, maintenance, replacement and refurbishment over the service lifecycle can have consequences for 30-200 years or more. Therefore such decisions and associated investments should take into account future climatic conditions