1978. Maintenance of prestressed concrete structures (PDF)

The FIP Commission on Practical Construction set itself the task of preparing a series of recommendations which would provide a useful source of information for engineers. The present report belongs to this series and was already announced at the Seventh FIP Congress in New York in 1974.

A comprehensive and systematic treatment of these themes has, so far, been lacking. This is because damage, strengthening work, and failures in prestressed concrete structures very seldom occur and are even more rarely reported.

In modern practice, it frequently happens that an engineer is suddenly and unexpectedly faced with the problem of how to deal with signs of trouble. Generally, an immediate solution is expected in order to prevent the problem from worsening. The engineer must then undertake careful, fundamental studies that lie well outside his normal routine. He must propose measures for investigation in circumstances where repair work is already required, and consider all the different measures which may be suitable and effective. Thus, one of the aims of this report is to provide useful and comprehensive information based on international experience.

A further aim relates to the necessity for systematic inspection so that early detection of possible damage can considerably reduce its effects. All too often today, the erroneous opinion still exists that prestressed concrete structures do not require any maintenance. However, it is true to say that good-quality prestressed concrete structures require little or no repair work if they are systematically and properly inspected.

This report can only be regarded as a first attempt to bring this subject into greater prominence. At present, a complete treatment of the subject is by no means possible.

In the text, there is no clear boundary with reinforced concrete structures. Nevertheless, the working group decided to produce the complete, simplified text. The publication of this report and constructive criticism can do much to improve it.

Thanks are due to all those who have contributed to this work for their interest and effort. To list all names would be too extensive. Therefore, thanks go to the various FIP member groups, the chairman of the working group, Mr L. Mûhe, and his active members, in particular Messrs P. Franck, P. Mohr, and H. J. C. Oud.