Basic strategies for concrete protection, repair and strengthen
The design, operating life, operating costs, and the extent of further remediation must all be considered when selecting the different options for the protection and repair of a concrete structure. An analysis of all proposed procedures must be undertaken when selecting an intervention in order to meet the entire structure’s future life requirements. Several factors need to be considered, which then influence the construction process.
The following are the different strategies that can be adopted in this regard:
• Deal with the prevention of degradation of individual materials.
• If possible, do not take any protective and corrective measures for a certain period.
• Perform a new structural reliability analysis, which may lead to a reduction in its usability.
• Prevent or reduce further degradation without improving the concrete structure.
• Improve, upgrade, protect or repair the whole structure or a part of it.
• Partial or total reconstruction of the concrete structure.
• Partial or total demolition of the concrete structure.
The basic factors affecting the selection of the most suitable solutions are the ones that follow:
• Expected use, design, and service life of the concrete structure.
• Required functional parameters (e.g. fire resistance and water tightness).
• Expected functionality of the performed protection and repairs interventions.
• Additional protection, repair, and monitoring options,
• The number and cost of repeated renovations experienced during the concrete structure’s design life.
• Costs and methods to finance the protection measures or repairs, including future maintenance and securing funds for it.
• Properties and available methods for the substrate pre-treatment.
• The appearance of the protected or repaired concrete structure.
• Time required to undertake the protection and repair measures.
Other aspects to consider when selecting an individual variant are the following:
• Constructional aspects
• Environment
• Health and safety aspects.
The process of repairing concrete involves analysis, strategy, and design. An in-depth examination of all the causes and consequences of damage is essential. The results of the evaluation, together with the user’s needs or requirements, provide the necessary external information for the remediation design.
The final design will be a solution that considers durability, feasibility, and compatibility with the existing structure.
