Research into a Management System for Diagnosis, Maintenance, and Repair of Concrete Structures

Abstract

The choice of an appropriate repair material and method requires a systematic observation of the symptoms and their probable cause together with a source of available information relating to durability. In response to a growing awareness of durability problems, a repair of concrete (REPCON) database has been developed, which deals with the diagnosis, evaluation, maintenance, and repair of concrete structures. The REPCON Management System is designed to be an effective support tool for experts whose data can be evaluated and tested to ensure that the evolving database retains its integrity. By providing a quantitative and consistent means for evaluating both new data and the person contributing it, the confidence level (CL) allows new knowledge and experience to be gathered and monitored over time. The paper explains how a computerized database management system can allow an initial database to evolve and become a forum for exchanging ideas in the field of concrete repair, and how the new methodology of data/user evaluation could have wider implication in many knowledge-rich areas of expertise.