There are several categories of materials that are utilized for the repair of concrete systems. For example, unmodified/fundamental Portland cement mortar or grout, latex modified Portland paste mortar or concrete, fast setting non-shrink mortar, and polymer concrete. The selection of such substances is established on their performance and price. In expansion to repair material compatibility with broken structure and relaxation of application.
When the breakdown is due to a chemical strike, it may be essential to utilize various cement or protecting coverings. The repaired concrete weakens primarily due to the downfall or partial loss of the bond between the former and current work. The criterion of bond formulated between the former and current concrete promptly pertains to the maintenance taken in the preparation of the core concrete. Thus, not only does winning repair work expect an outstanding choice of repair materials but also it requires to practice adequate enactment techniques.
Preference Criteria for Repair Materials
- Ease of application
- Price
- Handy labour mastery and tool
- Shelf life of the material
- Pot life of the material
- Kind of damage
- Compatibility of the improvement material with destroyed concrete
- The appearance of the complete surface
- Coefficient of thermal expansion of the material
- Coefficient of permeability of the material
- Breakdown resistance property of the material
- The durability of such concrete repair material
- Speed of concrete repair
Popular Repair Materials
Below mentioned are some of the popular repair materials utilized for repair or improvement or enhancing of concrete structures:
1. Unmodified Portland Cement Mortar or Grout
Portland cement mortar or grout is the greatest popular repair tool employed for repairing destructions to concrete systems. It is appointed because it is readily functional and has a cheaper cost. This material includes common Portland cement and adequate aggregate. Cement mortar is commonly wielded for tiny repair tasks and cement concrete is typically appointed where a big area is to be fixed up.
2. Latex Modified Portland Cement Mortar or Concrete
This repair substance is employed to deter chloride outbreaks on concrete layouts due to the usage of a low water-cement percentage. This is similar to normal Portland cement mortar or grout with the extension of a latex emulsion. The endurance of this element is similar to conventional mortar or grout. Ingress can be curtailed due to a shorter water-cement percentage. The expansion of latex modifiers impacts the endurance and durability of cement. The usage of this substance should be founded on the assistance conditions of the structure.
Latex modifier concrete proposed for categories up to 30mm deep, should have 1:3-3.5 as the ratio of cement and fine aggregates. The water ratio should be 0.3 with a latex solid mortar percentage of 0.1 to 0.2 by weight. Latex modifier mortar suggested for categories deeper than 30mm should have amounts of 1 part of mortar to 2.5-3 parts excellent aggregate to 1.5-2 fractions coarse aggregate.
3. Fast Setting Non-shrink Mortar
Breaks down on the concrete covering due to shrinkage of mortar are fixed up by this substance. It formulates a promising bond with former concrete. The usage of adequate admixtures merged with this repair substance also boosts strength and enhances bond and workability while curtailing fixing time. Polymer Concrete is a prominent polymer concrete employed in an epoxy concrete procedure with curing agents or methyl methacrylate monomer with an inhibitor and supporter. The epoxy system is widely functional in formulated repairing substances. This repair substance can be customized/mold as per the prerequisite for usage in the repair of various types of concrete harms.