This chapter presents information on how to conduct an
evaluation of the concrete in a concrete structure. As was
described in Chapter 1, a thorough and logical evaluation
of the current condition of the concrete in a structure is
the first step of any repair or rehabilitation project. When
the condition of a structure indicates that major repair or
rehabilitation is probably necessary, a comprehensive
evaluation of the structure should be conducted to determine
the scope of the work required. Such an evaluation
could include the following: a review of the available
design and construction documentation; a review of the
operation and maintenance records; a review of the instrumentation
data; a visual examination of the condition of
the concrete in the structure; an evaluation of the structure
by nondestructive testing means; a laboratory evaluation
of the condition of concrete specimens recovered from the
structure; a stress analysis; and a stability analysis of the
entire structure. With the exception of performing stress
and stability analyses, each of these general areas is
described in detail in this chapter.