Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Climate change is a pressing global issue that poses significant challenges to the design and performance of concrete structures. This thesis investigates the impact of climate change on concrete structures, focusing on how changing environmental conditions influence their design, durability, and overall performance. The study explores the various aspects of climate change, such as temperature fluctuations, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise, and their effects on concrete structures. The research begins with a comprehensive literature review to examine existing knowledge on climate change impacts on concrete structures. The study then delves into the research methodology, outlining the data collection methods, analysis techniques, and experimental procedures employed to investigate the research questions. Findings from the study reveal the vulnerabilities of concrete structures to climate change-induced factors, such as increased moisture levels, freeze-thaw cycles, and corrosion of reinforcement. Discussions in Chapter Four analyze these findings in detail, highlighting the implications for the design, maintenance, and resilience of concrete structures in the face of climate change. This study emphasizes the need for proactive measures in the design and construction of concrete structures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The conclusions drawn from this research underscore the importance of incorporating climate change considerations into structural engineering practices to ensure the longevity and sustainability of concrete infrastructure. In summary, this thesis provides valuable insights into the impact of climate change on concrete structures and offers recommendations for enhancing their design and performance in a changing climate. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge on sustainable infrastructure development and underscore the urgency of addressing climate change challenges in the field of civil engineering.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis of the impact of climate change on the design and performance of concrete structures" is a comprehensive study aimed at investigating the influence of climate change on the structural integrity and performance of concrete structures. Climate change has become a pressing global issue, leading to more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves. These extreme weather conditions pose significant challenges to the durability and resilience of concrete structures, which are essential components of infrastructure worldwide. The study will focus on analyzing how the changing climate patterns affect the design parameters, material properties, and long-term performance of concrete structures. By examining the interactions between environmental factors and concrete performance, the research aims to provide insights into potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with climate change impacts on infrastructure. Key aspects of the research will include a thorough literature review to understand the existing knowledge and gaps in the field, followed by a detailed examination of climate change projections and their potential effects on concrete structures. The project will also investigate current design practices and standards to assess their adequacy in addressing climate-related challenges and propose recommendations for enhancing the resilience of concrete structures. Research methodologies such as laboratory testing, numerical modeling, and field investigations will be employed to evaluate the performance of concrete under various climate scenarios. The findings from these analyses will be used to develop strategies for optimizing the design and maintenance of concrete structures in the face of changing climatic conditions. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable infrastructure development by providing evidence-based recommendations for improving the resilience of concrete structures to climate change impacts. By better understanding the complex interactions between climate change and concrete performance, this study seeks to support the development of more robust and durable infrastructure systems that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.