Repair those cracks

Concrete is an important construction material extensively used in buildings, roads, bridges, and dams. However, overtime cracks may develop. Unrepaired cracks continually expand becoming dangerous enough to cause structural failure. Cracked concrete repair can be both cost and time-restrained. Therefore, the method of repair chosen should save on time, money while ensuring long-lasting results.

One should understand the type and nature of cracks before settling on a method of repair. Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and step cracks are the most common crack types.

A simple crack repair for a small vertical or diagonal crack which shows no signs of distress may only involve filling voids with additional concrete to help keep moisture out. Otherwise, the following top crack repair methods are usually adopted.

Drilling and Plugging

This is the most recommended method due to its cost and time efficiency. But this method is only suitable for repairing vertical cracks running in straight lines. A series of vertical holes are drilled in the crack. Grout is then passed down the holes, forming a key which helps prevent leakages

Epoxy Injection

This is suited for filling narrow cracks (as narrow as 0.05 mm). Epoxy injection involves establishing entry and venting ports at close intervals along the cracks. The crack is then sealed on exposed surfaces, and epoxy injected under pressure. It is worth noting that that the crack may recur if its underlying cause hasn’t been corrected.

Silk contamination and leakage should be avoided for the epoxy injection to last. For successful application, tact and skills are necessary.

This method is not suitable for active cracks and in situations where the water leakage isn’t controllable. Fireproofing may be a necessity since elevated temperatures usually cause the epoxy resins to lose strength.

Routing and Sealing

This happens to be the most common method of repairing cracks on concrete. For this, the cracks on the surface are enlarged and then a joint sealant used to seal it. Care should be exercised when adopting the right width to depth ratio so as to leave enough room for movement. It is unsuitable for structural repair, serving only as a solution for minor cracks.

Stitching the Crack

The entails drilling an entry and exit hole across the cracked surface. U-shaped metallic staples are then run through the holes, anchoring them firmly in the hole using either an epoxy-based system or grout. This repair method is efficient and long-lasting.

Gravity filling, dry packing, overlay and surface treatment, etc. can also be used for crack repair. A concrete service expert usually helps determine the best method on a case by case basis. For any questions on concrete crack repair, contact us today