Influence Analysis of the Most Common Defects and Damages on the Durability (Residual Resource) of RC Members: A Review

The world construction industry has been developing very fast in recent years. In turn, in accordance with modern economic trends, there is a need to optimize the design of new, as well as rationalize the use of existing building structures, in particular, reinforced concrete. Both new and existing RC structures are often subjected to different environmental and mechanical impacts, reducing their durability (residual resource). To extend the life cycle, and also for an objective assessment of the reliability and durability (residual resource) of RC structures (or structural elements), a reliable assessment of existing defects (damages) is necessary, as well as an analysis of their influence on further operation. In view of the above, all defects and damages of RC structural elements should be estimated, according to various criteria: formation reason and time, type, geometric dimensions, degradation degree, etc. The article considers the main types of defects (damages) of RC members, as well as the feasibility of further operation of such members with defects or damages. Furthermore, based on a detailed review of the literature on this problem, an influence analysis of the most common defects (damages) on the durability (residual resource) of RC structures (or structural elements) was carried out. Depending on the existing defects and damages (including corrosion of reinforced concrete), the classification of reasons for a reduction in durability (residual resource) of various RC members is also proposed.