The Process of Restoring and Repairing Concrete Structures

Replacing and restoring concrete is a common practice for building owners, property managers and municipalities after the harsh winter months. Road salt, moisture, temperature changes, freeze and thaw cycles and regular wear and tear attribute to the deterioration of concrete and impacting the safety and strength of most structures. Making sure concrete structures are safe is a huge part of everyday society and can have grave consequences. Concrete restoration and maintenanceis vital to a functioning buildings, high rises, bridges, tunnels, ramps, dams, culverts, and parking decks. There is no one standard solution that fits all when it comes to concrete restoration. Each structure restoration project varies due to architectural designs & age, weight limits, amount of traffic, chemical treatment, etc. Proper concrete restoration will repair and protect the structure from further erosion.

Traditionally, concrete was just poured and left to cure, however in the by the 1950s, a new method for concrete application became the next big thing in construction. Shotcrete was its official name and it simply was the process of spraying concrete through a hose at high speeds onto a surface. The force of the air pressure consolidates the material on the surface giving it excellent adherence to most surfaces. This method also allows for a more flexible approach to concrete construction.Application of concrete is now available on vertical, sloped or hard-to-reach areas as long as a hose can gain access.The shotcrete method has become a vital part of the concrete restoration due to its unique benefits and advantages.

Structurally Sound Concrete

Occasionaldemolition of brittle or cracking concrete is required to ensure the stability and unity needed to befor something to be structurally complete. Removal of damaged concrete sections is generally done with a jackhammer or other pneumatic equipment. Most concrete structures are reinforced by reinforcement rebar rodsor steel. If the concrete casing of the structure has been damaged or has deteriorated, it might be necessary to replace the steel substructure.Once that is complete, concrete will be poured and blended with certain cement additives depending on what the project calls for. Some of the special additives include: Micro silica, which increases compression strength and offers resistance to acidic conditions; Accelerators, which allows the concrete to set faster; Steel and poly fibers, which increase erosion resistance and decrease the shrinkage and reflective cracking.

Concrete Coating Applications

There are several types of concrete coatings that can be applied to structures to increase safety and resistance to natural elements and chemicals. To provide fire protection on steel or concrete surfaces, a coating comprised of Portland cement, vermiculite and perlite is sprayed on while a structure is under construction. Clear traffic coatings defend concrete surfaces from wear and tear caused by automobiles, machinery or pedestrian traffic. Formulated from an epoxy base, these coatings seal out moisture and damaging materials such as salts and oils. Successfully sealing concrete closes the porous surface and makes it more impervious to harmful substances as well as increase the structures life.

Restoration Concrete Structures

Parking deck repairs frequently involve repairs to both the deck surface and to overhead concrete structures that may have been damaged by water infiltration or exposure to melting agents. Balcony repairs typically involve structural stabilization with steel framework that ties the structure to the building as well as replacement of damaged facing surfaces and decking materials. Façade repairs involve removing damaged or degrading concrete from the surfaces of a structure, stabilizing the repair site, and filling any voids or cracks with new material that has been formulated to match the color and texture of the existing material that surrounds the repair.

Concrete Restoration Company

Choose a restoration company with years of experience using the most advanced application methods and materials (mixes and sealants) in concrete repair and restoration. This approach provides lasting protection against cracking, spalling and erosion in concrete structures. Many restoration firms have architects and engineers on staff to offer free evaluation of a building or structure.