Concrete Remediation Wollongong
Concrete is one of the most durable man-made materials available, but it can still be damaged by a range of factors. From natural wear and tear to changing environmental conditions and even poor design and construction practices.
Every remedial project needs a different approach. The cause of the damage must be identified to determine the best method to repair it.
Crack Injection
Even the most durable man-made materials like concrete are not immune to structural damage. Crack injection is a simple way to prevent further damage and improve the load-bearing capacity of a damaged structure. It uses engineer-specified methods and materials tailored to each crack’s characteristics to ensure a reliable repair that will last.
The procedure begins with cleaning out the crack to remove any contaminants and chiselling it wide enough for the resin to enter. Then, the expert injects a chemical grout or resin into the crack using a machine pump or hand pressure gun.
The injected epoxy will seal and strengthen the crack to stop water ingress and migration and restore tensile strength of the concrete. This is a critical procedure that should only be carried out by a professional. There are two types of crack injection: Structural crack repair and non-structural. Structural repairs require a low viscosity epoxy, such as BluRez 222VL. Non-structural repairs can be injected with a fast-setting polyurethane.
Repair Mortar
Concrete repair mortars are specifically designed to restore or replace the original profile and function of damaged concrete structures. They can also improve durability, increase structural integrity and extend the life of the structure. They are available in a wide range of products to suit different repair situations and applications.
Concrete is a tough material but over time like anything else it can be affected by harsh environments, age and lack of maintenance. Corrosion of reinforcing steel can cause concrete cracking, spalling and ultimately deterioration. This is known as concrete cancer and if left unattended it can compromise the safety and reliability of the structure.
Before applying any repair mortar the concrete surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any loose contaminates and grit, oil and grease. Once prepped the surface should be dampened to aid bonding. This can be done by spraying or hosing down the surface. The repair mortar is then applied and trowelled to a flat finish.
Render Repairs
Render repairs are often required when concrete structures become faulty. Typically, visible cracks or rust stained concrete surfaces will indicate that a repair is needed. Identifying the problem is essential, as this ensures that the correct solution is implemented. This helps to minimise the cost of the concrete repair and also reduces any ongoing safety issues that may arise.
Well designed and constructed reinforced concrete is relatively resilient to hostile service conditions. However, these can still impact its integrity. Examples include concrete spalling, corrosion of steel reinforcement resulting in concrete cancer, and water damage. These problems can be resolved by correct identification, rectification and cathodic protection (CP) installation.
Rendering is a popular option for enhancing the visual appearance of both internal and external structures. Unfortunately, renders can be damaged by poor workmanship and substandard products. These issues can be costly to repair and usually involve structural reworks. Fortunately, specialised products are available to restore damaged renders and help prevent future deterioration.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is a method that keeps moisture and liquids from entering a concrete structure. It can be used in basements, pools, decks, roofs, terraces, water tanks and interior and exterior walls. It can also reduce deterioration and staining of concrete.
A high-quality waterproofing membrane can prevent concrete cracks from forming and can even resist harmful contaminants like methane gas and groundwater that can leak through imperfections in concrete. This is particularly important for structures located on contaminated sites.
Concrete deteriorates for a variety of reasons, including natural wear and tear, shifts in the earth underneath concrete, weather and improper pouring and drying techniques. Concrete repair contractors can assess and implement comprehensive solutions to elevate the value, appearance and resilience of your building. This includes structural remedial works ranging from emergency make safe services to engineered building rectification and restoration. They can also carry out damp proofing and rising damp treatments. They also treat rusting steel reinforcement to prevent further deterioration.
from Concreters Wollongong Experts https://ift.tt/VTbuIK5
via IFTTT
Comments
Post a Comment