How to get rid of cracks in concrete - 3 best methods!

ConcreteIs one of the most durable building materials. In addition, it has a long service life. But even on its surface, cracks and dents may appear, because, as a rule, concrete structures also experience significant stress, as well as the aggressive influence of the environment. A crack is a reason to start worrying because the integrity of the structure is violated. I recommend filling the cracks as soon as possible.

Before proceeding with the repair, it is necessary to find out what caused the destruction of the concrete structure.

This could be:

• Marriage when performing construction operations
• Violation of construction technology
• Sudden changes in ambient temperature
• Shrinkage of the entire structure
• Loose soils at the base
• Errors in the manufacture of reinforcement cage
• Corrosion processes in reinforcing elements
• Exposure to chemicals
• Active mechanical interaction with the environment

Naturally, having determined the cause of the defect, it is necessary to eliminate it, otherwise the concrete will continue to collapse, and new cracks are not far off. Despite the fact that some of them are not dangerous, I still recommend not to tempt fate and immediately start restoration work.

Cracks up to 0.4 mm. can be safe under normal non-aggressive conditions. But they need to be examined and measured.

A variety of materials are used to restore the integrity of concrete:fill them with epoxy, rubbed with a cement-concrete mixture, use liquid glass. It is permissible to cover some cracks with a sealant or seal the joint with a self-expanding cord. The applicability of this or that material depends on the degree and dynamics of destruction, the age of the concrete, and the localization of defects. The less the violation of the integrity of concrete, the wider the range of materials used.

In addition to the choice of material for restoration work, you need to decide on the technology of work. Often used and well-proven methods are:

1. Injection. The essence of the method consists in injecting building compounds under pressure into cavities pre-drilled at a certain angle to the crack. Material (liquid glass, epoxy resin, mix) holds the edges together, thereby preventing further deterioration.

2. Sealing. The crack is filled with a highly adhesive compound, the surface is leveled and sealed with a specialized coating.

3. Shotcrete. A sand-concrete mixture with polymer additives that increase the quality characteristics is sprayed onto the surface of the structure. Gradually, the crack is covered with a new layer of concrete, the destruction stops. The disadvantage of this method is its laboriousness and the need to use specialized equipment.

The choice of the optimal method for a specific defect and the high-quality performance of work guarantees the restoration of the strength of the structure and the possibility of its further safe operation.

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