The South African Durability Index (DI) approach includes laboratory-based oxygen permeability tests to predict carbonation rates in concrete structures. Similarly, the Swiss approach (after SIA 262/1) is a performance-based method that makes use of an in-situ air-permeability test method for durability specifications and assessment. Based on comprehensive experimental investigations, a comparison of the two approaches is presented. An integrated approach is proposed based on incorporating in-situ and laboratory-based permeability test methods in order to develop suitable quality assurance procedures for concrete manufacture.