1 INTRODUCTION
It is not difficult to recognise or to acknowledge the
significant changes that have taken place in the field
of concrete durability over the last 25 years. This
period has seen an enormous growth in our understanding
of the mechanisms and processes of deterioration,
the ways in which to protect concrete against
early deterioration and the effective utilisation of
concrete-making materials that will enhance durability.
Equally important has been the extent to which the
advocacy of durability—as a fundamental property of
concrete—has resulted in a conceptual change in the
minds of those involved in the design and construction
of concrete structures. For practitioners, concepts
of durability are beginning to be woven into the everyday
discourse of concrete technology.
In large measure, this change has been driven by
the efforts of researchers throughout the world, both in
developing our understanding of the theoretical issues
and in making the case for greater attention to durability
in the cement and concrete sector in general. In
the best tradition of the path of knowledge development,
the debates in the field of concrete durability
have certainly been vigorous and many misconceptions
or flawed theories lie on the sides of this path.
However, in many areas, the issues and concerns are
far from settled and the need for continuing research
and development remains.
This paper therefore presents some reflections on
the future research needs in concrete durability. Much
of this discussion relies on observations of the extent
to which researchers have addressed some of the
Figure 1. Reinforcement corrosion remains the most
significant threats to the durability of reinforced concrete
structures.
fundamental questions of concrete durability, influenced
the practice of concrete technology, or attended
to needs of technology transfer in this field. While the
issues raised are intended to have general application,
the reader will find something of a South African bias.