Repair & management of deteriorated concrete structures: new DMRB document & specification

The repair and management of Britain's concrete highway structures has significantly improved since the publication of specific guidance in 1990 in the UK Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) This guidance was updated in 2020 to include an improved approach to managing deteriorated structures. This paper focuses on the additional requirements or significant modifications in the updated guidance and explains their rationale. Key changes include the overall management strategy of deteriorated structures, repair strategies and deterioration mitigation measures, including control of the incipient anode effect and concrete injection to improve the safety and durability of a repaired structure. Internal deterioration of concrete and thaumasite sulfate attack are also covered. The related UK Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works also provides an updated specification for concrete repairs. Predominantly performance-based, it covers proprietary concrete repair products complying with British standards and other materials and construction methods for maintenance, repair or strengthening.