Classification of the environmental loads based on reinforced concrete performance and testing methods

Besides live loads reinforced concrete structures are affected by many other environmental influences that reduce their safety. Since it is possible to simulate mechanisms of these influences mathematically and their effects express numerically, they can be considered as a special type of loads that can be included into reinforced concrete structures design procedure. That way, instead of current general recommendations, environmental loads could equally take part in defining the size of the cross-sections, reinforcement bar diameter size, and material properties. In order to work out simple concept of design procedure with environmental loads included, it is suggested to make their classification in four basic sets: chemical, physical, biological and mechanical, with corresponding subsets. Each type of the environmental load corresponds to a certain performance of the structure based on reinforced concrete reaction to their activity, and each performance corresponds to a certain testing method. As a result of the performed tests input parametars for mathematical models of the environmental effects, as well as properties for quality control of reiforced concrete structures could be obtained.