Proposal of a method for service life prediction of a concrete structure: a case study

Abstract This article presents a method for service life prediction of concrete structures. The proposed method aims to estimate the performance of a concrete structure through its permeability to carbon dioxide penetration, in order to verify its accordance to Brazilian standards. This case study is based on an inspection made in an educational building in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Through carbon dioxide penetration, non-destructive and partial destructive tests, an estimated service life design for the concrete structure was elaborated. These tests were carried out in the parking lot because there is a greater vulnerability of the structure in terms of concentration of vehicles and lack of finishing, such as mortars or paints. The tests carried out showed that the selected concrete pieces were carbonated from 2.9 to 4.4 mm deep, a situation whose prognosis suggests a superior performance in accordance with the parameters set in ABNT NBR 15575:2013.