Abstract:

In the present structural design practice in China, focus is placed on the strength of the structures subject to loadings, whereas insufficient considerations are placed on the durability of the structures subject to environmental impacts. The durability of the structures is only treated as a kind of concept, for which no special durability designs have been made. Therefore, negative consequences, such as poor structure operation performance, short service life and frequent accidents, occur. Such a situation is incompatible with the tendency that more and more emphasis is placed on the durability, safety and applicability of structures in the international structure engineering field and is incompatible with the requirements of the dynamics and comprehensive economy of the structures. In the paper, the author, with the aim to improve the durability of the structures, presents the importance of durability in the structural design and service period of the structures, makes an overall analysis and summary of the types of and causes for the cracks of the structures and provides feasible crackcontrolling methods.