| Repairs
& Remedial Work
Good concrete is a building material with excellent
durability which normally requires little or no maintenance, but good performance
depends on good designs, details, materials and workmanship.
Why then should repair necessary? The answer lies in a subjective consideration
of the facts concerning any particular concrete unit that has been deemed unsatisfactory
in its present condition. The deficiency may be structural, cosmetic or some combination
of both.
Unsatisfactory performance in service could arise as a consequence faulty design,
the use of unsuitable materials, improper workmanship, undue exposure to abnormally
aggressive environments, excessive structural loadings or any combination of such
factors.
If or when repair and restoration of concrete becomes necessary, the objective
of any remedial work should be to return the concrete to a satisfactory condition
of structural adequacy, durability, and/or appearance at a reasonable cost (commensurate
with the benefit to be derived).
A rational repair programme should start with a diagnosis, or evaluation of the damage,
and then progress through selection of materials and method to preparation of the deficient
area and, finally, to application of the repair. If each of these steps is undertaken
correctly, and at the proper time, then a satisfactory repair will be obtained.
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