Concrete is one of the most long lasting, economical building materials ever devised by man. When placed properly and in the right application it will last a very long time. However, nothing good lasts forever and concrete is no exception. Some of those cracks appear within hours of pouring, others take many years to develop.
Most of the concrete cracks are related to shrinkage, heat, wrong joint placements, over stress and loading conditions and movements caused by external factors. Cracking cannot be prevented but it can be significantly reduced or controlled when the causes are taken into account and preventative steps are taken.
In most cases where cracks appear in concrete the crack can be identified and the cause of cracking established. All cracks can be grouped into two broad categories:
– Cracks occurring before and during hardening.
– Cracks occurring after hardening of concrete.
Repairing wide concrete cracks sometimes requires precision and skillfulness. The techniques used in repairing concrete cracks will depend on the location of the crack and how big the crack is. Concrete cracks repairs must be done carefully to prevent additional consequences and further deterioration. The recommended technique for patching cracks will also depend on the surface being worked out and whether the crack will be visible or on a walkable surface.
Some of these repairs are completed by using epoxy injections applied directly to the crack. Concrete cracks are repaired using different techniques and methods, such as epoxy injection depending on how wide, long and/or deep the crack is. The recommended process of injecting epoxy into cracks might vary from one place to another.
When cracks go through a concrete surface, and there is visibility from both ends of the concrete element, the epoxy can be injected from both ends. Sometimes the application might require making the epoxy more flowable or using another method to inject the epoxy into the concrete. The builder might also want to inject the epoxy more closely than usual so it gets into the deepest part of the concrete crack. Before deciding whether or not to use the epoxy repair, you will need to confirm that the cause of the crack is solved and no further movement is permissible. When the concrete is still subject to additional movement, then the epoxy injection process is not recommended.
Although concrete can sometimes crack, concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting products you can use, also, at Danterr, our focus is on quality, in all we do.
To learn more about concrete and what we do with it, visit Danterr Official and contact us today to learn more about our construction and concrete products.