Non‐traditional assessment and maintenance methods for aging concrete structures – technical and non‐technical issues

Based on construction dates and observed time to corrosion induced damage, the future need for repair of reinforced concrete motorway bridges in The Netherlands is predicted. Due to the age distribution and in particular the relatively short life of conventional repairs, the need for maintenance will increase steeply over the next few decades. It appears that a back log of postponed maintenance exists, which aggravates the problem. This steep rise may be mitigated by the application of various modern techniques for assessment, prevention, monitoring, and protection, that each have a good track record but are not widely used. Various factors that oppose the application of such innovations in the area of concrete maintenance are discussed.