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The introduction of western civilization in most Africa Countries starting from the mid 20th century has brought about the implementation of varieties of foreign design codes of practice in the construction of marine and coastal reinforced concrete structures. Variation in environmental and climatic conditions and lack of routine maintenance and monitoring system has resulted in the premature deterioration and failure of a large percentage of these vital structures. The large sums of money used in repairs, rehabilitation and rebuilding of these structures has not only resulted to low economic growth, but also endangered lives and material wealth. This paper identifies key design parameters, which because of their absence during the design process have contributed to the early failure of concrete structures exposed to aggressive environments especially those in coastal and temperate countries. Based on extensive research on existing marine and coastal concrete structures, recommendation and approaches on how to ensure a more accurate design process of marine and coastal structures so that a prolonged service-life of these structures can be achieved. Guidelines on how this can be possible are presented. (Journal of Civil Engineering, JKUAT: 2002 8: 1-12)

Advancements in science and technology has resulted in an improved human life style and fashionable engineering structures that have allowed modern engineers to pay less attention to how design codes can be modified in respond to growing changes in climatic conditions. This, together with disproportionate use of building materials and mix ratio in concrete structures, has not only given rise to a dramatic decline in the durability and safety of structures but has caused the use of billions of individual country's currency in repairs, maintenance and rehabilitation especially corrosion related deterioration. This paper throws light on the usefulness of up-to-date design codes, problems facing modern structures and what need to be done to accurately handle this growing phenomena so as to ensure safer structures as the unpredictable changes in climatic condition continues in the 21st century. A mathematical model to calculate the effective diameter of deteriorating beam with delaminated reinforcements and the vulnerability of structural systems are presented and useful recommendations made. (Journal of Civil Engineering, JKUAT: 2002 8: 37-46)