Predictive Durability Model for Life Extension of Naval Waterfront Concrete

The two-year SBIR Phase 2 effort will be focused on the extension of an existing numerical model, called STADIUM(SM), to the treatment of additional concrete durability problems. STADIUM(SM) is a finite element model that can be used to follow thetransport of ions and liquids in reactive porous media. Over the recent years, the model has served to predict the degradation of unsaturated concrete structures exposed to chemically aggressive environments.The extended version of STADIUM will account for the following transport and degradation phenomena:- Gas transport- Cracking- Reinforcing steel corrosion- Delayed ettringite formationBy its unique structure (designed to take into account the occurrence of numerous, potentially coupled, deterioration phenomena), and its integration with state-of-the-art concrete forensics technology, this new model will be particularly well adapted tothe prediction of the performance of naval waterfront concrete structures. The toll paid for treatment or lost service due to destructive corrosion or other forms of concrete deterioration amounts to billions of dollars annually. It is common for structures to require costly repairs after only 20 years in service. This isparticularly problematic considering that actual design service life expectations for U.S. Navy structures are extending to 100 years. The premature degradation of concrete structures jeopardizes Naval activities and therefore the readiness of the U.S.Navy. This comprehensive modeling and forensics approach will help the Navy and other government agencies design structures for longer service life and evaluate remediation strategies with confidence and assured readiness. The new durability softwarewill also be useful to designers of highways, bridges, water/waste treatment facilities, parking structures, and commercial and residential buildings. It is anticipated that successful commercialization of this model and approach to condition assessmentwill result in a new industry generating at least $100 million per year in condition assessment and design revenues, and that it will revolutionize the military and construction industries' approach to procurement and remediation.