Comité Editorial: Oladis T. Rincón; Aleida R. Carruyo; Carmen Andrade; Paulo Helene; Isabel Díaz.

Even though civil engineering construction projects usually work in accordance with design loads and stress, they nevertheless generate serious maintenance problemas while in use. Systematic inspections, evaluations and diagnoses of these problems should be perfomed so that results obtained may effectively contribute towards the appropriate rehabilitation of a structure whenever it becomes necessary. The degradation of reinforced concrete is induce by many parameters, among them: temperature variations, chemical reactions, vibration and erosion, in which reinforcement corrosion plays a very significant role, with its negative contribution to structural degradation. The symptoms and causes of corrosion are well known, so it has become necessary to adopt well-defined methods and procedures that would make interventions worthwhile and efficacious. Having noticed the lack of standard works on the subject, the “DURAR” Network, within the Corrosion/CYTED Subprogram, has decided to contribute by preparing this Handbook with the collaboration os specialists from ten Ibero-American countries. This Handbook does not aim to be the final word on the subject of corrosion. Rather, it is hoped that it will kindle the interest of Universities, project enterprises, persons in charge of engineering projects and, in particular, public and private organizations in charge of maintaining reinforced concrete structures. The latter, a very important task, usually plays second fiddle to government interests, which allocate resources only for new construction projects. Let me point out that it was never easy to reach a consensus on several points related to the techniques addressed herein. It took several meetings during the past five years, with heated, but always friendly discussions, all with a high degree of professionalism. It is a great honor for me to write this introduction. I am also deeply satisfied and happy to have enjoyed the company of our Ibero-American colleagues and established the close friendship that today makes us a truly integrated body. Mention must be made of each participant’s dedication and achievements, particulary those of Professor Oladis T. de Rincón, whose patience and commitment were undoubtedly key factors for the preparation for this Handbook. As with human beings in their habitat, an equilibrium between materials an the surrounding environment must be encouraged so that coexistence may be peaceful and, above all, lasting.

 ISBN 980-296-541-3. Inglês. p. 205. CYTED. Dimensões: 21,5 cm x 28 cm. 2000