Construction World July 2022

CEMENT & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY

A key factor for extending the durability of concrete structures is the implementation of timely and effective repair and maintenance procedures, says Warren Trew, Regional Sales Manager: General Construction of a.b.e. Construction Chemicals. a .b.e. is part of the Saint-Gobain Group. Trew says many key South African building and civil structures have recently been damaged by weather factors, age, neglect, misuse, rebar corrosion, extraneous loading and natural disasters. “Neglecting the need to introduce proper repair and maintenance systems for these structures results in reduced capital value and wastage of resources which could lead to poor quality of life for communities. “In a sustainable built environment, structural maintenance is non negotiable. As soon as a concrete structure is completed, the need for a maintenance programme must start. Maintenance should not be driven simply by the need to correct defects that occur over time, but to avoid these defects in good time,” Trew states. He says concrete is a durable but not eternal material and will over time deteriorate and require repair or replacement, especially in zones where chloride ingress or carbonation are a reality. Repairing deteriorated concrete and restoring its structural integrity should consequently form part of the initial design – but are frequently resorted to only when emergencies arise. “The first step in a successful repair project involves early damage assessment and arriving at a proper diagnosis. The owners should not wait until the concrete shows obvious signs of distress. The most crucial aspect of the repair process is the evaluation stage. To properly repair any damage, it’s important to understand what caused the problem and then determine the correct method of repair. “Experience is vital for the diagnosing, and planning for concrete repairs. While there is a high level of expertise that goes into concrete construction, the skills, understanding and experience required to repair damaged or deteriorated structures are decidedly different CONCRETE REPAIRS SHOULD FORM PART OF ORIGINAL DESIGN PLAN

N14 ridges repairs.

28 CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2022