Ageing of infrastructure: a life-cycle approach

This title addresses the problem of ageing infrastructure and how ageing can reduce the service life below expected levels.

The rate of ageing is affected by the type of construction material, environmental exposure, function of the infrastructure, and loading: each of these factors is considered in the assessment of ageing.

How do international design codes address ageing? Predictive models of ageing behaviour are available and the different types (empirical, deterministic, and probabilistic) are discussed in a whole-of-life context.

Life cycle plans, initiated at the design stage, can ensure that the design life is met, while optimising the management of the asset: reducing life cycle costs and reducing the environmental footprint due to less maintenance/remediation interventions and fewer unplanned stoppages and delays.