Concrete Repair Blogs

RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) has hit the headlines in the UK for all the wrong reasons. Around a hundred schools have been forced to partially or fully close buildings and relocate classes due to a risk of roof collapse.

The quality of reinforced concrete installation and repair is vital to upholding the structural integrity of a wide range of applications from bridges to tunnels, to domestic basements, buildings and car parks. Hence the need for a European standard: BS EN 1504, which sets out how this process can be carried out with optimal effect.

Since concrete structures are often exposed to different aggressive environments, they require high quality protection systems. Reinforced concrete structures are built to serve many generations to come. However, concrete faces many threats of natural deterioration, damage and reinforcement corrosion.

Ronnie Turner, Infrastructure Manager - Refurbishment

The key to success to any new-build or renovation project is preparation, as according to the well-worn saying, ‘fail to prepare; prepare to fail’.

Applying grout to steel columns and the like sounds simple in theory, but in practise it is quite a specialist process. As with most things in life, lack of proper preparation will lead to poor results.

With winter almost upon us, the anticipated damp and sub-zero temperatures will provide a severe test of the quality of the concrete used to build structures old and new.

Galvanic, sacrificial anodes have proved a successful corrosion control system in chloride-contaminated structures. The process of installing the small cementitious shell which encases a zinc core is simple and extremely effective in protecting steel reinforcement in chloride-infused concrete.

Most minor concrete repair works can be carried out quickly and simply by hand. To ensure works are carried out safely, to a high standard and will deliver lasting results, we advise following the simple seven-step process set out below.

Nicolas Collins, Area Sales Manager - Property, Sika UK You work in a London Borough housing department and are responsible for a large concrete residential social housing block whose exterior is severely in need of a major overhaul. However you have a mix of owner-occupier and council tenants who are not keen to leave and a very long housing waiting list, renovation will take months but demolition and rebuilding will take years. What are you going to do?

Concrete repairs can be conducted with different systems and methods. In the European Standard EN 1504 Part 9, Principle 3 defines the application of repair mortars by machine as well as by hand. In this article you will learn about the advantages of machine application for both dry and wet spray processes. We also give an overview of how to select the right method and equipment for each type of application together with the corresponding Sika materials.