Introduction of Concrete Repair Method
Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the construction industry all over the world. Concrete is a versatile construction material that possesses various advantages as compared to other construction materials.
There are many defects that occur in the concrete with time due to an aggressive environment. There are many old structures that have reduced their strength in due time. If further use of such buildings continued it will endanger the lives of the people and the surrounding habitat.
Here In this article, we will learn about the various concrete repair methods in detail which are used to repair concrete damage. Concrete repair is basically a modification of the concrete due.
How to Select Suitable Method of Concrete Crack Repair?
The concrete repair method which is adopted for the restoration of this structure mainly depends upon the cause and the extent of the damage.
The concrete repair method is selected based on the evaluation of the crack that occurred in the structure. While treating any damage or crack in the concrete structure it is very necessary that we should know the main cause of that defect.
Knowing the cause of the damage and reducing or eliminating that cause will repair last longer. The selection of the concrete repair method also depends upon the various factors which are as follows. Importance of the structure.
- Availability of Suitable Material.
- The Function of the Structure.
- Nature of the Damage.
- Availability of the Fund.
Methods of Concrete Crack Repair
There are various concrete repair methods which are used to repair various types of cracks and damages which generally occur in the concrete.
1. Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Stitching
In the technique of stitching the crack is a bridge up with u shaped metal, you need stitching dogs before being repaired with the rigid resin material.
This can establish restoration of the strength and integrity of the correction due to care is to be given to make an analysis check to ensure that this will perform well under applied loads.
Stitching is the best concrete repair method for Major cracks and it is suitable when tensile strength must be re-established across the major cracks.
Stitching will not close the crack but it is a way of stopping the further movement of active cracks. Stitching will help to prevent cracks from spreading.
Stitching dogs should be of variable length and orientation and so located that the tension transmitted across the crack is not applied to a single plane within the section but is spread over an area.
2. Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Grouting
Grouting is also one of the common and widely used concrete repair methods. Grouting is defined as the process in which the injection of liquid grouting material into the concrete under pressure.
During the process of grouting, the cracks and pores in the concrete get filled with the grouting material which will get subsequently Hardened.
Grouting can be performed the same as the injection of epoxy.
The Procedure of the Process of Grouting
The step-by-step procedure for grouting are as follows.
- First upon holes are drilled along the crack in this structure and in and around hollow spots.
- If there are several cracks the holes can be drilled in a staggered manner at 500 mm to 750 mm spacing in both directions covering adequately the area proposed to be grouted.
- The holes spacing can be changed as per the requirement and the site conditions.
- The Galvanized Iron pieces ( 12 to 20 mm diameter X 200 mm) with one end threaded or PVC nozzles are fixed in the holes with rich cement mortar.
- All the cracks and annular space around G.I. pipes are filled with rich cement mortar.
- All the cracks are cut open to a ‘V’ shaped groove, cleaned, and sealed with rich cement mortar.
- All the ground holes will be closed with water using the same equipment a day before grouting.
- All holes are first plugged with proper wooden logs are locked in the case of PVC nozzles. The bottom-most plug and the two adjacent plugs are removed and cement water injected in the bottom-most hole under pressure.
- When the cement water comes out through the adjacent holds the injection of cement mortar is stopped and the plugs in the bottommost hole and the one immediately above are restored.
- The process of grouting of concrete cracks is repeated with other holes till all the holes are covered properly.
- It is important that on the day of routing all the flags should be removed in order to drain out the excess amount of cement water and restore before starting the process of grouting.
- The grout should be kept fully stirred under pressure throughout the process of Grouting. The grouting is carried out till refusal and till crowd starts flowing from the hole present at its adjacent.
- A proper record of the quantity of grout injected into each hole should be maintained.
- After the process of grouting, it is very necessary that proper curing should be done for or at least 14 days. All the equipment which are used in the process of grouting should be clean thoroughly after its use.
Precautions Should Be Taken During the Process of Grouting of Cracks in Concrete
- In the case of the arch masonry of the bridges, the grouting is done to strengthen the structure. Some load tests may be carried out in selected structures to satisfy that grouting has helped to reduce the deflection of the crown and spread at the springing to within permissible limit.
- After completing the grouting work, all the equipment which are used in grouting including the slurry and mixing drums, nozzles should be thoroughly washed otherwise cement will get set.
- After the grouting work is completed it should be inspected thoroughly by the expert and should be kept under observation for a period of 6 to 12 months for its behavior after grouting.
3. Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Epoxy Injection
The epoxy injection is the most widely used concrete repair method for cracks which generally develops in beams and columns. The injection of a low viscosity epoxy is a possible repair method for cracks.
This concrete repair method proves to be effective to completely fill the cracks. The epoxy injection is a concrete repair The method is suitable for the treatment of cracks between 0.02 mm and 6mm.
While treating the cracks, care should be taken that the crack must be free of dirt grease, and other types of contamination. This is the best method of crack sealing of concrete.
The use of low modulus and flexible attitude in the treatment of crack will not allow significant movement of the concrete structures.
Before starting this process it is very necessary that the dust should be cleaned by using vacuum cleaning. Compressed air or blasting with water can also be used to remove dust and other contamination from the crack.
If the dust and other contamination are not removed from the crack, then epoxy resin will not form a strong bond in a crack. Epoxy injection is a concrete repair method in which the epoxy concrete is prepared by the addition of epoxy resin with a hardener in the appropriate proportion.
For epoxy injection, high skilled workmanship is required for its application. The injection should start from the bottom and continue until resin appears at the next port.
The injection nozzle is removed from the seal and the nozzle moved up to the next port. It is very just that the pumping pressure should be properly maintained in the cracks.
At the end, when the injected resin gets cured properly the sealing adhesive should be removed by using grinding or cutting.
The various methods of providing entry ports are as follows
- Bonded flush fitting which is attached by the sealing adhesive.
- The drill holes with the systematic fitting inserted and bonded with the adhesives which are used for the purpose of sealing.
- The interrupted seal using a gasket that covers the unsealed portion.
4. Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Grooving and Sealing
Grooving and sealing is the most common and simple Concrete repair method. This technique can be executed with relatively unskilled personnel and can be used to seal both fine pattern cracks and larger isolated cracks.
The system can be used to repair dormant cracks that are of no structural significance and is used to seal the cracks against the increase of moisture and carbon dioxide.
This concrete repair method involves enlarging in the crack along with its export face and sealing it with crack fillers. The care should be taken to ensure that the entire crack is routed and sealed.
5. Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Guniting
Guniting is the concrete repair Method in which the mortar is conveyed through a hose pneumatically to protect at a high velocity onto a surface.
This technique has been developed by introducing a small-size coarse aggregate into the mix. This process is made economical by reducing the cement content. The force of Jet impact on the surface compact the material.
6. Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Shotcreting
The shotcrete process is used for the application of mortar of less thickness. It is also a concrete repair method that is used to repair various damages in concrete structures. Shotcreting works on the same principle of greeting for achieving greater thickness with a small coarse aggregate.
Step by step procedure of shotcreting are as follows.
- Shotcreting is a concrete repair method. The first one removes the Plaster and finishes all around the distressed concrete surface.
- Remove concrete all around the reinforcement in order to get an average 25mm air gap.
- Put the additional information wherever the reinforcement diameter has been reduced by more than 15 to 20%.
- Fix shear key bars of appropriate diameter at a specified spacing in both directions over the surface to be covered with repair materials.
- Apply appropriate passivating and Bond Court over the reinforcement and prepared RCC surface.
- Shotcreting should be done with a 6mm thick finishing coat. It is also necessary to do wet curing over the finished surface of the shotcrete for a minimum period of 7 days.
7. Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Dry Packing Method
Dry packing is a concrete repair method for filling holes and cracks whose depth is at least equal to the smallest surface dimension of the repair area.
The dry pack method is generally used on a small hole in the concrete. The holes should be at least 25 mm deep the dry packing method is not suitable for shallow depressions. The holes go right through the concrete section where the filling cannot be properly rammed.
Dry pack mortar is normally a mix of one part of ordinary Portland cement to 2.5 part of fine sand. The correct measure of the water will produce a mortar that is at the point of becoming rubbery when it is solidly packed.
The holes should be prepared so that they are sharp and Square at the surface edge. The interior surface is to be rubbed and if possible undercut marginally. All repairs and effects to concrete must be removed and the surface of the hole left clean.
Dry should be packed in a layer that has a compacted thickness of about 10 mm. The compacting effort should be directed at a slight angle towards the sides of the hole. The holes should not be overfilled and can be done by pounding on a piece of hardened laid on the surface.
The holes are vertical or overhead surface or not likely to be prepared effectively by this method and epoxy mortar is may be needed. The area to be prepared properly by cleaning and roughened and it should be kept wet for some time.
Repair mortar should be mixed to a plastic consistency and a small quantity of cement mortar should be scrubbed into the surface with the wire brush.
Repair mortar compacted should be a tight Filling around the edges of the hole. It is necessary that proper curing should be done for at least 7 days.
A strong and good bond will get developed between old concrete and repair. The expansive cement or admixtures have been advocated for replacement mortar repair. Generally, the expansive admixtures are used for grouting purposes.
8 . Method of Concrete Crack Repair: Drilling and Plugging
This concrete repair method consists of drilling down the length of the crack and Grouting it to form a key. This concrete repair method is used to repair vertical cracks in the retaining walls.
The hole should be drilled on the crack and the grout key prevents transverse moments of the section of the concrete adjacent to the crack. The key will also help to reduce the heavy leakage through the crack and loss of soil from behind a leaking wall.
Conclusion of Method of Concrete Crack Repair
The above Concrete repair methods are used for repairing concrete defects and cracks which generally occur in concrete structures. The use of the particular concrete repair method varies upon the types.
FAQs About Concrete Repair Methods
What are the common causes of concrete damage?
Concrete damage can occur due to factors such as exposure to aggressive environments (chemicals, weather), poor construction practices, overloading, and natural wear and tear over time.
How do I determine which concrete repair method to use?
The choice of concrete repair method depends on factors like the type and extent of damage, structural importance, available materials, and environmental conditions. Assessing these factors with the help of a professional engineer or contractor can guide the selection process.
What are the key considerations before starting a concrete repair project?
Before starting a concrete repair project, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection to understand the root cause of the damage. Proper preparation of the surface, selection of appropriate repair materials, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with local regulations are critical considerations.
How can I ensure the longevity of concrete repairs?
Ensuring proper surface preparation, using high-quality repair materials suitable for the specific application, following manufacturer guidelines for mixing and application, and providing adequate curing are crucial steps to enhance the durability of concrete repairs.
Are there environmental considerations when choosing a concrete repair method?
Yes, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals can influence the choice of concrete repair method and materials. Some methods may require specific environmental conditions for optimal performance and longevity.
Can I perform concrete repairs myself, or should I hire a professional?
Simple repairs, such as minor crack sealing, can sometimes be done by homeowners with appropriate tools and materials. However, for complex repairs involving structural integrity or extensive damage, it’s advisable to hire experienced professionals who have expertise in concrete repair techniques and safety protocols.
How do I know if my concrete repair was successful?
Successful concrete repairs should restore structural integrity, prevent further deterioration, and blend seamlessly with the surrounding concrete. Monitoring the repaired area over time for signs of cracking, spalling, or moisture intrusion can help assess the effectiveness of the repair.
What are some preventive measures to reduce concrete damage in the future?
Implementing regular maintenance programs, applying protective coatings or sealants, addressing drainage issues, and avoiding overloading can help extend the lifespan of concrete structures and reduce the likelihood of future damage.
Are there any regulations or standards that govern concrete repair practices?
Yes, local building codes, industry standards (such as ACI 562 for repair of concrete structures), and manufacturer guidelines for repair materials provide important regulations and standards that should be followed during concrete repair projects.
How can I estimate the cost of concrete repair projects?
The cost of concrete repair projects varies based on factors such as the extent of damage, chosen repair method, accessibility, labor costs, and materials used. Obtaining multiple quotes from reputable contractors and discussing detailed project requirements can help in estimating costs accurately.
