How long do concrete structures last

There is no definite age for concrete. If installed properly, considering every factor, then the concrete will last for many years. If cracks or breaks in the concrete are noticed over the years, the concrete can be repaired by the concrete experts. With repairs, the concrete is restored and the material will last longer than ever before. Whenever you are planning a concrete project, work with the experts in concrete to use the best materials and ensure the installation process so that the concrete will last for decades.

Experts in concrete installations know just what to do in regards to every aspect to ensure a quality installation and overall use, avoiding weathering or deterioration. You can even consult a professional to have your concrete project inspected over the years to ensure no changes or reinforcements need to be made.

You must be logged in to post a comment. Or Call - Factors to Consider Concrete is often used for the foundation of the home, patios, walkways, sidewalks, porches and more. Fundamentally, however, none of these developments can resolve the inherent problem that putting steel inside concrete ruins its potentially great durability.

This has serious repercussions for the planet. Concrete is the third-largest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, after automobiles and coal-fuelled power plants. Concrete also makes up the largest proportion of construction and demolition waste, and represents about a third of all landfill waste.

Recycling concrete is difficult and expensive , reduces its strength and may catalyse chemical reactions that speed up decay. The world needs to reduce its concrete production, but this will not be possible without building longer-lasting structures. Rebar reclamation: an expensive job. In a recent paper , I suggest that the widespread acceptance of reinforced concrete may be the expression of a traditional, dominant and ultimately destructive view of matter as inert.

But reinforced concrete is not really inert. Concrete is commonly perceived as a stone-like, monolithic and homogeneous material. In fact, it is a complex mix of cooked limestone, clay-like materials and a wide variety of rock or sandy aggregates. Limestone itself is a sedimentary rock composed of shells and coral, whose formation is influenced by many biological, geological and climatological factors.

This means that concrete structures, for all their stone-like superficial qualities, are actually made of the skeletons of sea creatures ground up with rock. It takes millions upon millions of years for these sea creatures to live, die and form into limestone. This timescale contrasts starkly with the life spans of contemporary buildings. Steel is often perceived to be inert and resilient too. If construction steel is visible, it can be maintained — for instance, when the Sydney Harbour Bridge is repeatedly painted and repainted.

However, when embedded in concrete, steel is hidden but secretly active. Moisture entering through thousands of tiny cracks creates an electrochemical reaction. Different concrete mixes are designed to accomplish different tasks. Some concrete mixes are made to dry quickly, others are designed to be as strong as possible.

The difference in those mixes has a direct effect on the lifespan of that concrete. Weather and the environment are major factors when it comes to determining the lifespan of concrete. Of course, the weather is different depending on where you are.

If you live somewhere that experiences extreme temperatures, the lifespan of your concrete is going to be significantly less than in a more temperate environment.

It is worth mentioning that there are concrete mixes out there that are specifically designed to withstand extreme weather.