federation internationale du beton (fib)
International federation for structural concrete
Case Postale 88, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
Phone +41 21 693 2747 * Fax +41 21 693 6245
fib@epfl.ch * www.fib-international.org

For immediate release

Press contact:  Laura Thommen-Vidale, Editor
Email:  laura.thommen-vidale@epfl.ch
Tel.:  +41 21 693 2747
Fax:  +41 21 693 6245
Press area: www.fib-international.org/press

Lausanne, 5 June 2008
ref. PR08007

fib Bulletin 44: Concrete structure management: Guide to ownership and good practice

The latest fib Bulletin, number 44, "Concrete structure management: Guide to ownership and good practice", is now available for purchase from the fib secretariat.

Construction projects are undertaken to meet a variety of business, service and aspirational objectives or needs. The success of a building or an element of infrastructure depends on how well it meets the owner's needs and interests or those of its users. Recent changes in owner attitudes to construction are reflected in an increasing interest in through-life costs, i.e. not only the capital costs of construction but also the operational costs associated with a structure's functional performance for a defined life span. The owner can greatly improve the likelihood of achieving the value they seek from the facility by being closely and effectively involved in the definition of performance requirements at the start of the construction procurement process. 

The objective of fib Bulletin 44 is to provide guidance to owners of concrete structures on: 
-	the management of their concrete structures (buildings and infrastructure) as part of their business goals or the service objectives of their organisation;
-	best practice in the management of concrete structures;
-	their responsibilities with respect to the management of their concrete structures;
-	the wider context and issues of service life design;
-	information and direction needed by the supporting professional team of architects, engineers, specifiers, contractors and others. 

This Guide also provides background information on topics such as deterioration processes and technical procedures used for the management of concrete structures, including reference to international standards for the protection and repair of concrete structures. These activities are illustrated by application examples/case histories and by a section addressing frequently asked questions. A brief review is made of some potential future developments.

A review copy of Bulletin 44 can be provided on request.

Pages: 210
Price: CHF 150 (non-member price), including surface mail
ISBN 978-2-88394-084-0 
To order this Bulletin, use the order form at www.fib-international.org/publications/order/.

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Note: On request, the text of this press release can be provided in French or German