Methods Of Repairing Concrete Cracks

Crack repairing are often done by various methods, which depend on the character of cracks and therefore the sort of structure.

Crack repair can be done using di?erent methods and techniques. They are as follows:

Epoxy injection grouting

Epoxy compounds possess properties like high compressive strength, lastingness , and bond strength. they're widely used for creating repair mortar.

Epoxy compounds aren't suitable for concrete crack repairs, especially for external applications. it's because epoxy compounds aren't compatible with various weather and temperature changes.

Epoxies also can be used on wet surfaces. Wet surfaces require some special grade of epoxy. it's way too costly than the traditional epoxy compounds.

Epoxy compounds are often wont to seal the cracks as narrow as 0.002 inch which is approximately 0.05 mm. it's an e?ective method for crack repair. The procedure for crack repair by epoxy injection grouting is as follows:-

• Clean the cracks.
• Seal the surfaces.
• Install the entry and venting points.
• Mix the epoxy compound.
• Inject the epoxy.
• Remove the surface seal.

Routing And Sealing

The crack sealers used for repair of cracks should ensure structural integrity and serviceability. Additionally, they ought to be ready to protect from ingress of harmful substances.

This technique of crack repair is employed in conditions where remedial repair is required and structural repair isn't needed. during this method, the first crack formed on the surface is enlarged, which is understood as routing, then after the crack is sealed employing a suitable joint sealant.

This method is usually used as its procedure is comparatively simple and requires no special training for repairing the cracks. it's mostly used for flat surfaces like floors and pavements, respectively. It are often used on vertical and curved surfaces.

This method is suitable for repairing both, fine cracks and enormous cracks also . The sealants used for the treatment of concrete could also be of several materials, including epoxies, silicones, and asphaltic materials. Cement grouts are generally avoided as they're likely to crack. The sealant should be applied depending upon the utilization of the world on which is it applied.

In this method, a groove of 6 mm to 25 mm depth is ready by the means of concrete saw a tool , or a pneumatic tool. Then the groove is cleaned by water blasting or air blasting. The groove is allowed to dry. Once it's completely dried, the sealant is placed within the groove and is allowed to cure. After the surface is cured properly, it can again be used.

Flexible Sealing

In this method, a recess is cut along the road of the crack and it's filled up with an appropriate flexible material. The breadth of recess and therefore the sealant's strength capacity determine the joint movement which will be accommodated.

So, the sealant bond must have an appropriate width and shape for the expected movement. A bond breaker should be wont to prevent the material from bonding to rock bottom of the recess.

Stitching

In this technique, holes are drilled on each side of the crack. The holes are cleaned up and therefore the legs of sewing dogs are anchored in it using either a non-shrink grout or an epoxy-resin based bonding system.

The stitching dogs should be variable long and/ or in orientation. It should be located in such how that the strain transmitted across the crack is cover a neighborhood and not applied to one point.

This method is preferred when the lastingness is to be re-established across major cracks.

Providing Additional Reinforcement

By Conventional Reinforcement

This method of crack repair is employed to repair the cracks of reinforced cement concrete. during this method, first of all, the crack is sealed employing a sealant. Then, holes of roughly 20 mm diameter are drilled in order that it intersects the crack plane at approximately 90 degrees. The holes are then filled up with epoxy reinforcement bars of 12 mm or 16 mm diameter is placed into that, extending a minimum of 500 mm on all sides of the crack. The spacing of reinforcement bars is set on the severity of cracks or as suggested by engineers.

By Prestressing Steel

When a serious a part of a member is to be strengthened, or a crack is to be treated, this method is usually the well-liked method. This method uses prestressing strands or reinforcement bars to use a compressive force. Su?cient anchorage should be provided for the prestressing steel.

Drilling And Plugging

In this method, a hole of fifty mm to 75 mm diameter is drilled down the length of the crack. the opening is thoroughly cleaned and crammed with grout. The grout key's liable for preventing the transverse movements of the concrete sections adjacent to the crack. The key also helps to scale back the deuterium oxide leakage through the cracks and loss of soil from behind the leaking wall.

Grouting

Based on grout material used, there are three methods for crack repair by grouting. They are as follows:

• Portland cement grouting
• Chemical grouting
• Epoxy grouting