Infrastructure
Durability Engineering
Our solutions
- Condition Assessment & Structural Integrity Analysis
- Repair & Rehabilitation Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Litigations – Materials Expertise – Forensic Analyses
- Sustainability Engineering
- STADIUM® Technology Portfolio
- Laboratory Services
- R&D/Innovation
Featured projects
- Panama Canal – Third Set of Locks
- Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link Tunnel
Assist in the design of a series of durable concrete mixtures to meet the 100-year service-life specification set forth by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
Concrete mixture optimization in accordance to durability requirements and for a service life of 120 years
Service-Life Design Engineering
The service life of structures: A core area of expertise for SIMCO and a critical challenge in the construction sector
SIMCO empowers owners, designers, and contractors in the design and construction of concrete and steel structures that meet specified service life objectives by integrating durability from the earliest design phases.
DURABILITY PLAN: THE KEY TO LONG-LASTING STRUCTURES
We develop durability plans that incorporate the key factors influencing the performance of materials and structures. This approach relies on advanced modeling techniques and a detailed analysis of exposure conditions, materials, construction methods, and geometry to ensure compliance with service life objectives.
Our durability plans include :
- Identification and anticipation of local chemical and physical degradation mechanisms
- Analysis of preventive and avoidance measures for identified degradation mechanisms
- Technical recommendations for material selection, construction methods, and protective solutions
- Drafting and review of specifications and performance thresholds for elements and materials
- Service life calculations for design scenarios
- Life-cycle cost analysis of the structure
The durability plan sets verifiable technical requirements (materials, cover depth, reinforcement, construction methods, and pouring plan including delivery temperature and thermal control) that ensure compliance to the specified service life.
A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS TO ANTICIPATE AND MITIGATE ISSUES DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE
- Design and optimization of concrete mixes (minimum composition, local materials, etc.)
- Analysis of early-age cracking and thermal stresses
- Corrosion initiation calculations.
- Development of thermal control plans
- Assistance and troubleshooting in case of deviations and non-compliance during construction
- Validation of concrete mix compliance
PREDICTIVE MODELS AND ADVANCED MODELING TECHNIQUES
SIMCO’s modeling techniques enable projections of contaminant penetration (chlorides, sulfates), corrosion progression, heat development from concrete hydration, cracking, alkali-aggregate reaction progression, and freeze-thaw damage. This approach can be applied to all concrete elements (conventional, mass, prestressed) and steel elements (buried or exposed).
⤷ SIMCO’s expertise can also be leveraged in the subsequent construction phase.