Whilst concrete provides many types of structure with its strength and rigidity, such characteristics means that concrete structures lack the flexibility to move in response to environmental or load alterations. The first sign of such stresses is commonly but it is possible for deterioration to exist in concrete before the appearance of cracks.
Cracks occur when the force exceeds the maximum tensile strength of the concrete and from a concrete repairs point of view, it is important to identify the exact cause of the cracks, the type of cracks, whether or not there is an associated effect on structural stability.
It is only once these factors have been discerned, that an appropriate course of repairs can take place which may range from leaving the crack alone to crack-stitching or injecting the affected areas with other materials and, in severe case, the removal of the affected concrete.
Survey & Evaluation
The initial step in the process is to examine the cracking with a primary concern being whether or not the cracking undermines the integrity of the structure due to reduced durability.
The status of a crack is of the utmost importance. For example, an active crack would most likely require a more complex combination of repair techniques that may include remedying the root cause of the cracking thus ensuring a successful long-term repair (if the underlying cause is not discerned, there is always a strong possibility that any repair will be short-term with a reoccurrence of the issue in the near future) whereas dormant cracks are those not threatening a structure’s stability.
The concrete’s environment can have a significant bearing on its durability and the aggression with which cracking can appear. For example, the greater the exposure to severe environmental conditions increases, the greater the increase in the possibility of structural instability. Concrete cracks can form in a range of sizes such as micro-cracks (exposing the concrete to efflorescence) to large cracks frequently triggered by the external loading conditions of the structure and these are all factors we have to take into account when assessing an appropriate course of repairs to concrete structures on-site.
Repair
Once we have a thorough understanding of variables referred to above, we will then have a enough information to decide on the most suitable course of repair.
Our website covers the majority of works we most commonly undertake to either repair and/or remove cracking and damaged concrete from structures. Please click the links below to find-out more about specific repairs techniques:
Abrasive Blasting
Concrete Repairs
Crack Stitching
Cutting & Removal
Liquid Coatings
Protective Coatings
Roofing Maintenance
Survey & Investigation