Despite the use of design procedures and construction practices that have been developed over many years, unexpectedly early deterioration of concrete structures has become a matter of considerable concern in many countries.

This paper contains a brief view of the need for inspections of structures to be accompanied by well-targeted testing, carried out by well qualified dedicated technical staff, with results being interpreted by experienced engineers in order that owners of structures receive cost-effective quality advice for the management of their structures.

Monitoring in the form of observations and testing over a period of time produces an indicator of the rate of deterioration of a structure. Case studies are presented that demonstrate the benefits of testing of structures.

  • Introduction

  • The Need for Testing, a Clients Perspective

  • Causes of Deterioration

  • Visual Inspection

  • Testing

  • Planning for Testing

  • Types of Testing

  • Bellevue Bridge Case Study

  • Conclusions

  • References

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