What is the exposure class for a structure exposed to sea spray?

It falls under 'Very Severe' (Exposure Class S) according to Table 1.

What are the requirements for M30 concrete in a 'Severe' environment?

Maximum W/C ratio of 0.45 and a minimum cementitious content of 340 kg/m³ are required as per Table 3.

What is the minimum nominal cover for a column in a 'Very Severe' exposure condition?

50 mm is the recommended nominal cover as per Table 4.

Does this code replace IS 456 for durability?

No, it is a supplementary document that provides more detailed and specific requirements for durability and should be read along with IS 456.

IS 16700

: 2018

Code of Practice for Durability of Concrete Structures

CurrentEssentialCode of PracticeBIMStructural Engineering · Coastal and Marine Engineering

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This code provides comprehensive guidelines for ensuring the durability of concrete structures. It introduces a detailed system for classifying environmental exposure conditions and specifies corresponding requirements for concrete constituents, mix proportions, reinforcement cover, and quality assurance to achieve a target service life by mitigating deterioration mechanisms like reinforcement corrosion, sulphate attack, and alkali-aggregate reaction.

Covers requirements for achieving durability of concrete structures, considering exposure conditions like marine environments.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum concrete grade for 'Severe' exposure (RCC)M30

Maximum water-cement ratio for 'Very Severe' exposure0.45

Minimum cement content for 'Extreme' exposure400 kg/m³

Nominal cover for main reinforcement in 'Extreme' exposure75 mm

Maximum total acid-soluble chloride in concrete for Prestressed Concrete0.10% by mass of cementitious material

Minimum concrete grade for 'Moderate' exposure (RCC)M25

Practical Notes

This standard significantly enhances and should be used in conjunction with the durability provisions of IS 456:2000.

The correct classification of exposure conditions (Table 1) at the design stage is the most critical step as it governs all subsequent durability requirements for the structure.

For critical infrastructure or structures in very aggressive environments, consider using the service life design approach outlined in Annex A, which goes beyond the basic prescriptive requirements.