The 2010 fib Model Code for Concrete Structures

The fib Model Code is a recommendation for the design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures which is intended to be a guidance document for future codes. Model Codes have been published in 1970, 1978 and 1990. The draft for the fib Model Code 2010 has been publish ed in May 2010. The most important new element in this Model Code is “Time” in the sense of service life. Additionally the Model Code gives an extended state of the art chapter on the structural materials concrete and steel but regards non-metallic reinforcement and fibres as reinforcement as well. Many loading conditions are considered, ranging from static loading to non-static loading, considering earthquake, fatigue and impact/explosion. Five methods are offered to verify structural safety. Attention is given to verification of limit states associated with dura bility, robustness and sustainability. Finally verification assisted by numerical methods and by testing is considered. Other elements which are links in the chain of life cycle design are construction and conservation. In the part on conservation the conservation strategy is treated in combination with conservation management, condition survey and assessment, and evaluation and decision making.

---