With the introduction by the building authorities of the ‘Technical Rule on the Maintenance of Concrete Structures’ (TR Instandhaltung), the requirements for the planning, application and documentation of concrete repairs have changed fundamentally. After around two years of practical experience, we take stock. We spoke to Alexander Jurecka, who has been involved in shaping the implementation of the regulations into day-to-day practice at StoCretec right from the start.

What is the significance of the TR on Maintenance for the planning of concrete repairs?
This set of regulations has fundamentally changed the planning process. It sets out clear requirements for construction products, systems and the documentation required to demonstrate compliance. For planners, this means greater certainty, but at the same time places higher demands on documentation and the early consideration of regulatory requirements. This is clearly evident in practice: in addition to the traditional technical data sheets, system certifications, declarations of performance and test reports, so-called ‘suitability for use’ certificates (Verwendbarkeitsnachweise) must now be taken into account. As a result, compliance with standards in documentation is becoming a greater focus than ever before, right from the planning stage.
How has StoCretec adapted to the new requirements?
We have systematically aligned our portfolio with the requirements of the TR Maintenance, offering tested systems, fully prepared verifications and practical support for designers and application specialists. The aim was to make it as easy as possible for everyone involved in construction to implement the new requirements.
Why have project-specific verifications been replaced by the new forms of verification?
The aim is to achieve uniform and comparable standards. Individual and project-specific verifications were often time-consuming and difficult to verify. Standardised forms of verification ensure quality and make the planning process more transparent.
How does StoCretec support planners and executing companies in providing the necessary verifications?
We provide those involved in construction with document packages containing all relevant verifications. This includes documentation on national and European suitability for use and declarations of conformity, plus the necessary European certification for the manufacturing plant. This is accompanied by details on application and installation guidelines in accordance with TR Instandhaltung. Providing all this information in a single package ensures maximum transparency and efficiency. Planners and executing companies save time, reduce risks and sources of error, and can be confident that all requirements are fully met.
Personalised technical advice, training courses and direct support during the planning phase are also part of the services we offer to facilitate the implementation of these requirements.
What risks arise if verifications are missing or incomplete?
This can lead to significant problems – ranging from delays in the construction process to legal risks. In the worst-case scenario, the application may not be approved or liability issues may arise.
How can planners ensure that all requirements are met right from the early stages of a project?
It is crucial to incorporate all relevant specifications at an early stage and to select certified systems. The use of comprehensive documentation packages, as well as consultation with producers such as StoCretec, helps to avoid problems arising later on.
The ‘Technical Rule on the Maintenance of Concrete Structures’ (TR Maintenance) issued by the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) sets out the requirements for the planning and implementation of maintenance measures, as well as for the products and systems used for this purpose. The aim is to maintain or restore the durability, serviceability and stability of concrete structures throughout their service life. In this context, requirements are set out for the inspection of structures, condition assessment, maintenance planning, the selection of suitable repair methods and the documentation of the measures.
Part 1 sets out the principles for the planning of the maintenance of concrete construction works, as well as the repair principles and methods to be applied. Furthermore, it specifies the requirements under building regulations, in particular with regard to the mechanical compatibility and stability of construction works.
Part 2 defines the necessary characteristics and performance requirements of repair products and systems for concrete structures, in particular the performance requirements that products must meet in order to maintain or perform repair on the load bearing capacity and serviceability of concrete members.
The TR Maintenance was gradually introduced by building authorities from 2021 onwards. Following the resolution of the outstanding legal issues, it has largely superseded the earlier DAfStb guideline ‘Protection and Repair of Concrete Members’ from 2001. However, certain sections of the DAfStb guideline remain valid.
“TR Maintenance places greater emphasis on proof of serviceability and compliance. At StoCretec, the documentation required for this is always included in the scope of our system solutions,” says Alexander Jurecka, a concrete repair expert at StoCretec.
Photo: StoCretec GmbH

StoCretec also provides the certificates of suitability required under TR Instandhaltung for its traffic area coating systems, which are used in multi-storey car parks and underground car parks.
Photo: MediaProd Hans-Jürgen Götz / StoCretec
Among other things, StoCretec supports planners by providing all the verifications required under TR Instandhaltung, personalised technical support, training courses and specifications.
Photo: Martin Baitinger / StoCretec GmbH
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Jan Birkenfeld
Wendebrück 2d
D-38110 Braunschweig
Tel.: 05307 80093 85
E-Mail: j.birkenfeld@pr-neu.de