Abstract

The structural lifespan of buildings and infrastructure decreases over time due to material degradation, with water penetration being a major contributing factor. Excess moisture weakens construction materials, leading to deterioration and reduced service life. Water absorption plays a critical role in structural degradation, particularly affecting foundations when infiltration occurs below ground level. In bridge structures, water-induced foundation instability can lead to failure, while in roadways, moisture weakens pavement layers, causing cracks, potholes, and surface deterioration. Uncontrolled water infiltration not only compromises structural integrity but also increases maintenance costs and poses safety risks. To enhance durability, implementing effective waterproofing measures, proper drainage systems, and using water-resistant materials is crucial. Additionally, advanced construction techniques and preventive maintenance strategies can significantly extend the lifespan of infrastructure. This study emphasizes the need for proactive measures to minimize water penetration and preserve structural integrity. By adopting appropriate engineering solutions, the longevity and reliability of buildings, bridges, and roads can be significantly improved.

Keywords:Structural durability, water infiltration, foundation stability, infrastructure longevity, waterproofing techniques

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1. Basheer PAM, Chidiact SE, Long AE. Predictive models for deterioration of concrete structures. Constr Build Mater. 1996;10(1):27–37.
2. Neville AM. Properties of concrete. 5th ed. London: Pearson; 2011.
3. Mehta PK, Monteiro PJM. Concrete: microstructure, properties, and materials. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2014.
4. Broomfield JP. Corrosion of steel in concrete: understanding, investigation and repair. 2nd ed. London: CRC Press; 2007.
5. Bertolini L, Elsener B, Pedeferri P, Polder R. Corrosion of steel in concrete: prevention, diagnosis, repair. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH; 2004.
6. Neville AM. The confused world of sulfate attack on concrete. Cem Concr Res. 2004;34(8):1275–1296.
7. Thomas MDA, Bentz EC. Life-365 service life prediction model. Concr Int. 2001;23(12):41–46.
8. Bentz DP, Garboczi EJ. Percolation of phases in a three-dimensional cement paste microstructural model. Cem Concr Res. 1991;21(2–3):325–344.
9. Basheer L, Kropp J, Cleland DJ. Assessment of the durability of concrete from its permeation properties: a review. Constr Build Mater. 2001;15(2–3):93–103.
10. Gjørv OE. Durability design of concrete structures in severe environments. London: CRC Press; 2009.
11. Kropp J, Hilsdorf HK, editors. Performance criteria for concrete durability. London: CRC Press; 1995.
12. Cabrera JG. Deterioration of concrete due to reinforcement steel corrosion. Cem Concr Compos. 1996;18(1):47–59.
13. Angst UM, Elsener B, Larsen CK, Vennesland Ø. Critical chloride content in reinforced concrete – a review. Cem Concr Res. 2009;39(12):1122–1138.
14. Glass GK, Buenfeld NR. Chloride-induced corrosion of steel in concrete. Prog Struct Eng Mater. 2000;2(4):448–458.
15. Polder RB. Test methods for on site measurement of resistivity of concrete – a RILEM TC-154 technical recommendation. Constr Build Mater. 2001;15(2–3):125–131.

Abstract

The structural lifespan of buildings and infrastructure decreases over time due to material degradation, with water penetration being a major contributing factor. Excess moisture weakens construction materials, leading to deterioration and reduced service life. Water absorption plays a critical role in structural degradation, particularly affecting foundations when infiltration occurs below ground level. In bridge structures, water-induced foundation instability can lead to failure, while in roadways, moisture weakens pavement layers, causing cracks, potholes, and surface deterioration. Uncontrolled water infiltration not only compromises structural integrity but also increases maintenance costs and poses safety risks. To enhance durability, implementing effective waterproofing measures, proper drainage systems, and using water-resistant materials is crucial. Additionally, advanced construction techniques and preventive maintenance strategies can significantly extend the lifespan of infrastructure. This study emphasizes the need for proactive measures to minimize water penetration and preserve structural integrity. By adopting appropriate engineering solutions, the longevity and reliability of buildings, bridges, and roads can be significantly improved.

Keywords:Structural durability, water infiltration, foundation stability, infrastructure longevity, waterproofing techniques

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Basheer PAM, Chidiact SE, Long AE. Predictive models for deterioration of concrete structures. Constr Build Mater. 1996;10(1):27–37.
2. Neville AM. Properties of concrete. 5th ed. London: Pearson; 2011.
3. Mehta PK, Monteiro PJM. Concrete: microstructure, properties, and materials. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2014.
4. Broomfield JP. Corrosion of steel in concrete: understanding, investigation and repair. 2nd ed. London: CRC Press; 2007.
5. Bertolini L, Elsener B, Pedeferri P, Polder R. Corrosion of steel in concrete: prevention, diagnosis, repair. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH; 2004.
6. Neville AM. The confused world of sulfate attack on concrete. Cem Concr Res. 2004;34(8):1275–1296.
7. Thomas MDA, Bentz EC. Life-365 service life prediction model. Concr Int. 2001;23(12):41–46.
8. Bentz DP, Garboczi EJ. Percolation of phases in a three-dimensional cement paste microstructural model. Cem Concr Res. 1991;21(2–3):325–344.
9. Basheer L, Kropp J, Cleland DJ. Assessment of the durability of concrete from its permeation properties: a review. Constr Build Mater. 2001;15(2–3):93–103.
10. Gjørv OE. Durability design of concrete structures in severe environments. London: CRC Press; 2009.
11. Kropp J, Hilsdorf HK, editors. Performance criteria for concrete durability. London: CRC Press; 1995.
12. Cabrera JG. Deterioration of concrete due to reinforcement steel corrosion. Cem Concr Compos. 1996;18(1):47–59.
13. Angst UM, Elsener B, Larsen CK, Vennesland Ø. Critical chloride content in reinforced concrete – a review. Cem Concr Res. 2009;39(12):1122–1138.
14. Glass GK, Buenfeld NR. Chloride-induced corrosion of steel in concrete. Prog Struct Eng Mater. 2000;2(4):448–458.
15. Polder RB. Test methods for on site measurement of resistivity of concrete – a RILEM TC-154 technical recommendation. Constr Build Mater. 2001;15(2–3):125–131.