Overview
ISO 22040:2021 - Life cycle management of concrete structures - defines the principles, framework and procedural approach for implementing life cycle management (LCM) for concrete structures. Applicable to both new and existing structures, the standard covers the full life cycle (planning, design, execution, use and end-of-life) or any single stage. ISO 22040 sets out how to maintain required functions and performance of concrete structures over time and to align LCM with sustainability objectives (social, environmental and economic).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Principles for managing a concrete structure from recognition of need through to end-of-life; relevant to all types of concrete structures.
- LCM scenario formulation: Creation of a basic LCM scenario that defines management strategy, planned remedial measures (if needed), and how stages are connected. Scenarios are to be reviewed and revised using data acquired during the structure’s life.
- Performance and requirements: Performance requirements for structures are to be determined in accordance with referenced documents such as ISO 2394 and ISO 19338.
- Indicators for assessment: Set and calculate indicators across the LCM period covering:
- Social (safety, functionality in use, user protection, adaptability and cultural considerations)
- Environmental (resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, ambient impacts)
- Economic (life-cycle costs, maintenance and remedial planning)
- Procedures and stage-specific management: Framework for procedures that connect planning, design, execution, use and end-of-life stages; emphasizes documentation, confirmation of completion, and transfer of essential information between stages.
- Information transfer: Requirements to retain and transfer design, execution and in-service data so that future decisions (repairs, alterations, end-of-life) are informed and efficient.
- Sustainability alignment: LCM is presented as a vehicle to balance environmental, social and economic aspects while maintaining structural performance.
Note: ISO 22040 provides overarching principles and procedures. Detailed methodologies for each stage are established in other, stage-specific documents.
Applications
- Establishing a long-term maintenance and remediation strategy for bridges, tunnels, buildings and other concrete assets
- Developing asset management plans and service-life predictions
- Ensuring continuity of information from construction to operation and demolition
- Integrating sustainability indicators into design and asset decision-making
- Supporting procurement, inspection, and life-cycle cost analysis
Who should use this standard
- Structural and civil engineers
- Asset and facility managers
- Contractors and construction managers
- Owners, infrastructure operators and public authorities
- Maintenance planners, durability consultants and sustainability assessors
Related standards
- ISO 2394 - General principles on reliability for structures
- ISO 19338 - Performance and assessment requirements for design standards on structural concrete
- ISO 15686 series - Service life planning (related building-focused guidance)
- ISO 16311, ISO 21929-1 and other referenced standards for terminology and indicators
Keywords: ISO 22040, life cycle management, concrete structures, LCM scenario, sustainability, service life, durability, performance requirements.
