Primary publication: TIEFBAU November 2008

Summary: The protection and repair of reinforced concrete structures has been technically regulated in Germany for about 15 years by the Repair Guideline of the German Committee for Reinforced Concrete [1] and the Additional Technical Regulations and Guidelines for Civil Engineering Structures ZTV-ING  [2], formerly know as ZTV-SIB. However the general guidelines for repair works should also be followed by the skilled designer when the stability of the structure is not directly affected. In special cases projects may require individual solutions, but the basic principles shall still be obeyed. Due to the various initial situations the repair of structures is still making high demands on the designer in spite of the clear guidelines.  Various initial conditions can be influenced for example by the accessibility for diagnosis or the remaining useful life of the structure. The practical experience is showing that a continuous Engineering support on the side of the owner can deal with and successfully solve upcoming issues during the construction phase. A skilled engineering support therefore contributes to a time and cost efficient execution of works and helps to ensure the requested quality of repair works.