Ageing of Infrastructure

Book excerpt: The book addresses the problem of ageing infrastructure and how ageing can reduce the service life below expected levels. The rate of ageing is affected by the type of construction material, environmental exposure, function of the infrastructure, and loading: each of these factors is considered in the assessment of ageing. How do international design codes address ageing? Predictive models of ageing behaviour are available and the different types (empirical, deterministic, and probabilistic) are discussed in a whole-of-life context. Life cycle plans, initiated at the design stage, can ensure that the design life is met, while optimising the management of the asset: reducing life cycle costs and reducing the environmental footprint due to less maintenance/remediation interventions and fewer unplanned stoppages and delays. Health monitoring of infrastructure can be conducted via implanted probes (wired or wireless) or by non-destructive testing that can routinely measure the durability, loading, and exposure environments at key locations around the facility. Routine monitoring can trigger preventative maintenance that can extend the life of the infrastructure and minimise unplanned and reactive remediation, while also providing ongoing data that can be utilised towards more durable future construction. Future infrastructure will need to be safe and durable, financially and environmentally sustainable over the lifecycle, thereby raising socio-economic wellbeing. The book concludes by discussing the key impacting factors that will need to be addressed. The author brings a strong academic and industry background to present a resource for academics and practitioners wishing to address the ageing of built infrastructure.