Maintenance-based design of concrete parking structures

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine what type of preventative maintenance for a concrete parking structure will produce the maximum economic benefit. Existing models for concrete deterioration are analyzed for their accuracy in predicting the service lives of concrete structures and a model appropriate for concrete parking structures is selected. The selected model is modified to account for the unique microclimate that is created within a parking structure and used to create deterioration curves that quantify the fraction of a structure deteriorated at a given time. Several preventative maintenance programs that summarize current practice in the repair of concrete parking structures are created. The programs are analyzed using the selected concrete deterioration model and the method of preventative maintenance that maximizes the net present worth of a concrete parking structure is identified.