Concrete evidence that change is needed

CIRIA said, ‘Concrete is a highly versatile construction material, offering strength and durability, as well as numerous opportunities in terms of structural type and form, construction techniques and surface aesthetics. Concrete has been, and will continue to be, used extensively in the marine environment.

‘Currently around £800m is spent on flood and coastal defences in the UK every year. At least 15% of this is spent on concrete in various forms (sea walls and wave walls, concrete armour units). In addition, other parties, such as port authorities, make extensive use of concrete in the marine environment.

‘Standard solutions do not generally exist for maritime concrete structures, largely because of the harsh environment and the requirement for long service life. Guidance documents on the subject have been limited in the past and a need for consolidated guidance was identified.’

The use of concrete in maritime engineering – a good practice manual (C674) aims to refine the conclusions on the use of concrete in the marine environment, whilst developing good practice guidance on marine concrete materials. The publication, jointly authored by CETMEF, Halcrow and HR Wallingford, will provide current guidance on the design, construction, testing, repair and maintenance of many differing types of concrete maritime structures.