4 CLOSURE AND OUTLOOK
In this paper, we have tried to undertake a particularly
difficult task: to define what future users of concrete
will need from the research that we are currently
undertaking. Nevertheless, we feel that the issues we
have raised are practical and draw directly from our
experience of the knowledgebase of concrete deterioration
and durability research.
It is important to acknowledge that the global concrete
research community has made remarkable contributions
to our understanding of concrete durability
and deterioration. In the same breath, this paper has
tried to emphasise that there is much understanding
that has yet to be developed through research. The particular
problem of deterioration due to reinforcement
corrosion will continue to demand much research
time and effort before we can say that international
concerns in this area have largely been allayed.
This paper has also made a strong case for a more
rigorous approach to service life modelling, durability
design and specification. In this regard, the proposals
presented in this paper are intended as a basis
for the development of a framework towards addressing
this concern.
Finally, the important challenge of technology
transfer should not be neglected. Our success in these
areas of research endeavour will be measured by the
extent to which we positively influence the practice
of concrete technology to produce more durable concrete
structures.