Concrete Repair
The majority of concrete spalling originates not from impact but from reinforcement corrosion. Corroding steel expands in volume and pushes the concrete off from the inside. The primary task in repair is therefore not to close the surface that has spalled — it is to eliminate the cause of the corrosion.
The cause and extent of the damage is assessed on site; the repair method and mortar class are specified in writing. Where supervision before cover-up is requested, the work is inspected on site.
Scope
- Establishing the cause and extent of the damage
- Selecting the repair method and repair mortar class
- Specifying the reinforcement cleaning and protective coating requirement
- Assessing whether cracks are active or dormant and determining whether injection is required
- Joint repair and surface protection systems
- Application supervision and progress payment verification
Most common errors
Concrete behind rebar not broken outThe concrete behind the reinforcement is not fully removed; corrosion product remains inside. The repair fails again in the same location.
Rebar not cleanedCorroded reinforcement is encased without being cleaned and without a protective coating being applied.
Loose concrete not removedSound concrete is not fully exposed before repair mortar is applied; there is no bond.
Wrong mortar selectedNormal cement mortar is used; it is incompatible with the parent concrete and shrinkage cracks form.
Cover not reinstatedAdequate concrete cover over the reinforcement is not re-established after repair; corrosion restarts quickly.
No surface protectionSurface protection coating is not applied after repair; moisture and carbonation continue to reach the reinforcement.
How it works
Site inspection
The damaged area is inspected on site; the cause and extent of the damage are established. Where findings concern the structural system, the assessment is referred to a structural engineer.
Written repair specification
The repair method, repair mortar class, reinforcement cleaning and surface protection are put in writing. This document is a technical specification for the works; it is not an independent report or expert opinion.
Line-by-line quotation evaluation
What is to be applied to which surface, how many square metres, which materials and the cost of each item are made clearly visible.
Application supervision
Breaking out, reinforcement cleaning and mortar application are checked on site before they are covered; non-conformances are reported in writing.
Make a request
When the request form is completed with location and scope, the enquiry arrives with the context needed to give a direct response.
