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Concrete Repair Operations: An In-Depth Look

2020/03/01

Concrete Repair Operations: An In-Depth Look

The term “concrete repair” refers to replacing, restoring, or renewing of concrete or concrete surfaces after initial placement. The need for repairs varies from minor imperfections due to normal weathering to significant damages resulting from water penetration or structural failure.

 

Industry experience has repeatedly demonstrated that no step in the repair operation can be omitted, or carelessly performed, without detriment to the serviceability of the work. Inadequate workmanship, procedures, or materials may result in inferior repairs that will ultimately fail at a high cost.

 

concrete repair

Workmanship

It is the obligation of the construction contractor or maintenance crew to repair imperfections or damage in the concrete.  The quality and durability should be comparable to the adjacent portions of the structure. Repair personnel are responsible for making repairs that are inconspicuous, durable, and well bonded to existing surfaces. Since most repair procedures involve predominantly manual operations, thorough instruction on procedural details and the reasoning is supplied to both foremen and workers. Workers should also be appraised of the more critical aspects of repairing concrete. A well-trained, experienced team is essential when epoxy, polyurethane, or other resinous materials are utilized.

 

Procedures

When correct methods are carefully performed, achieving serviceable concrete repair work becomes likely. Wrong or ineffective repair or construction procedures, coupled with poor artistry, may lead to inferior repairs. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the craftsmen to implement  methods with a proven high-reliability factor. Repairs to older concrete should be made as soon as possible after such need is realized and evaluated.

 

Effective repair of deteriorated portions of concrete cannot be ensured unless complete removal of all deteriorated or possibly affected concrete is accomplished. Beyond removal, careful replacement measures also need to occur.  Replacement is in strict accordance with a standard or approved procedure, and assurance of secure anchorage and adequate drainage when needed. Consequently, work of this type should not be undertaken unless or until ample time, personnel, and facilities are available.

 

 

Materials

Material selection for concrete repair is as imperative as all other aspects.   Materials must be high quality, relatively fresh, and capable of meeting specification requirements for the particular application or intended use. As an indicator of quality and suitability, suppliers or manufacturers should provide mill or testing laboratory reports. Short of this requirement, supplier certifications stating that the materials meet precise specifications may be used as a replacement.

 

Due to the high cost associated with the subsequent removal and replacement of unknown or unproven materials, materials should never be used in concrete repair unless they have  been determined unsuitable. Furthermore, the owner and all other parties to the repair should be informed of the need to use nonstandard materials and the associated risk. Materials selected for repair must be used following manufacturers’ recommendations or other approved methods. Mixing, proportioning, and handling must also be in accordance with the highest standards of workmanship.

 

For all of your Boston concrete repair needs, contact Abbot Building Restoration.  Experts in repair and restoration, our team can assist with all of your masonry needs.  Contact us today at (617) 445-0274 or info@abbotbuilding for more information.

 

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