The deterioration of reinforced concrete water - supply towers in Lithuania

Abstract

The period of 1950 – 1980 was most intensive for water – supply towers construction in Lithuania. The purpose of water – supply towers – to increase the water pressure and to supply with water consumers residing far away from central stations. Under the influence of loads and negative environmental impacts water – supply towers constructions are wear out, and deteriorations are formed. The technical state of water – supply towers should be evaluated before planning repairs or reconstruction. Special research or studies of technical state evaluation of reinforced concrete water – supply towers were not performed in Lithuania. The aim – to establish the main deteriorations and to evaluate the technical state of reinforced concrete water – supply towers. The most commonly occurring water – supply towers deteriorations are cracks in the concrete surface by 0.2 to 0.3 mm wide, surface delamination. One of the most dangerous deteriorations is corrosion of reinforcement and concrete.