Investigations of defects & failures in concrete structures

Abstract

With so many technically positive things happening in the building industry today, one would wonder why anyone would want to write about defects and failure, expecting that in this age of advanced material technology and construction know-how, that no such problems could arise. But as happens in all other trades, where the human element is involved, there always exists a potential problem no matter how sophisticated the tools, methods and materials are. Only by understanding the mechanisms of defects or failure arising during or after the building process can the construction industry become more sensitive to solving the problems of structuring man's space enclosures. The aim of this dissertation is to present in a concise form the different stages and procedure involved in investigating and identifying the cause or combination of causes effecting the durability and strength of concrete structures, therefore arriving at the cause of deterioration.