Contact person
Jan Suchorzewski
Enhetschef
Contact Jan
Quality assurance of concrete elements for reuse
Concrete is a durable material that can fulfill its function significantly longer than 50 years. Structural parts contributing to approx. 60% of the total carbon dioxide emissions from new construction can be reused. RISE offers quality assurance of concrete elements for reuse by creating a technical basis for the decision on reuse.
Purpouse
The Swedish National Board of. Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) is in the process of introducing limit values for the climate impact of new construction. Approx. 60% of climate emissions in a new house come from the structural frame. At the same time, the construction industry is responsible for the largest waste stream after the mining industry in Sweden with approx. 1.4 tonnes of waste/person/year. Part of the solution can be the reuse of structural elements. There is a high potential in reusing concrete structures that are characterized with long life and durability. We at RISE have many years of experience with condition assessment and quality assurance of concrete structures for reuse from a number of research projects (Återhus) and commercial assignments (e.g. IKEA Kållered or Housing Authority's Karlskrona office).
Methodology
RISE has developed a methodology for quality assurance of concrete elements for reuse that consists of five steps:
- Analysis of existing documentation (drawings, manufacturing documentation, etc.)
- Site visit with visual inspection and verification of documentation.
- Non-destructive testing (testing with GPR, Schmidt-hammer, corrosion measurments, etc.) - can also be carried out on buildings in operation
- Sampling of drill cores and reinforcement for lab testing to verify results from NDT investigations.
- Analysis of results and reporting. Can be completed with service-life calculations for use in a new house.
Optional large-scale testing can be ordered to verify performance as elements.
The method is verified in a number of real projects. RISE is currently working in the standardization committee SIS TK191 "Precast concrete products" to publish a standard for the reuse of precast concrete based on that method.
Reporting
Report with results from all steps, statistical analysis and lifetime calculations.
RISE can also support in discussions with constructors, property owners and municipalities to explain the methodology in relation to Building Regulations and the Housing Authority's guidelines.
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