Fundamental materials research in view of predicting the performance of concrete structures

For advanced civil engineering structures a service life of hundred up to hundred fifty and even two hundred years is sometimes required. The prediction of the performance of concrete structures over such a long period requires accurate and reliable predictive models. Most of the presently used, mostly experience based models don't have the quality and reliability that is required for reliable long-term predictions. The models designers are searching for should be based on an accurate description of the relevant degradation mechanisms. The starting point of such models is a realistic description of the microstructure of the concrete. In this presentation the need and the role of fundamental microstructural models for predicting the performance of concrete structures will be presented. An example will be given of a microstructural model with a proven potential for long-term predictions. Besides this also the role of models in general, i.e. in the whole design and execution process of concrete structures, will be dealt with. Finally recent trends in concrete research will be presented, like the research on self-healing cement-bases systems.