T3-1: Introduction to Managing Assets

Question 1

What do stakeholder need for better asset management?

Answer 1

Reliable assets (no premature failure, maintain value, extend asset life)

Valuable assets for investment (no hidden defects)

Question 2

What are drivers for concrete asset management?

Answer 2

• Demand for greater capacity (e.g. ports, where new facilities are built in seawater exposure)
• Pressures for reducing public spending
• Ageing assets (e.g. bridges)

Question 3

Describe the impacts of seawater and de-icing salts, and why there is little appreciation of the significance of the effect of chlorides

Answer 3

• Structures with low strength/low cement content/high w/c ratio make contact with seawater and de-icing salts
• Cast-in chloride
• Contaminated aggregates
• Accelerating admixture (CaCI2)
• Use low C3A cements
• Poor curing practise and compaction

Question 4

Describe the importance of cover in asset management

Answer 4

• In the 1950s-70s, structures were slender; low cover
• Low strength design, with low resistance even to carbonation
• The structures had no appreciation of design for durability (only strength)
• No allowance for poor workmanship