2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
There are many reasons for the appearance of cracks. Such defects can appear on a long-erected structure and appear on a freshly concreted surface. We will tell you how to avoid the causes of the appearance and eliminate the existing cracks
The causes of cracks
Designers' mistakes manifest themselves in the form of shrinkage of buildings, followed by cracking of the base and walls. An equally important factor in the occurrence of defects is the absence of additives in the concrete or the use of an incorrectly selected brand of cement. It has been proven that the negative effect is a violation of the proportions of impurities, the ratio of sand, poor mixing - all this leads to a decrease in the quality of cement.
Undoubtedly, the aggressive influence of environmental factors is taken into account: excessive humidity, ultraviolet and thermal effects, sharp temperature drops inside the concrete and on the surface. Contact with chlorine fumes, various chemical reactions is harmful to concrete. The foundation often cracks from the absence of a waterproofing layer, from time, excessive and illiterately calculated load.
Improper anchoring, areas with uneven lateral pressure will cause cracking. Destruction can be provoked by rust of reinforcement, not correctly selected type of foundation.
Crack classification
If you want to seal a crack in concrete, you need to establish the cause of the appearance. Based on this, a rational method can be selected to restore the integrity of the concrete surface and prevent further deformation.
Cracks arise from various factors and are classified by reasons: sedimentary; structural; temperature; insufficiently reinforced; weathered (worn out). They are also divided in appearance: inclined; horizontal; chaotic; vertical.
Cracks can be stable and growing, unstable. Differ in depth: shallow; superficial; deep; end-to-end. Largest: microwaves; small (0.3 mm); medium-sized (0, 3-0, 5); large (from 1 mm). By outline: curvilinear; closed; located in the middle; straight, not in contact with the edges. Divided into groups:
According to the level of danger:
• medium hazardous;
• non-hazardous;
• actively dangerous.
By
quality of destruction:
• cut;
• chip;
• crushing;
• gap.
Crack elimination methods
Cracks can be repaired in different ways. The simplest is self-healing of concrete structures. The method is based on the use of plasticizers to help tighten the flaws on the surface. They are applied to problem areas and intensively moistened for 6 days. Builders use two main methods to repair significant cracks in concrete, which we bring to your attention.
Injecting
The method consists in pumping a special quick-hardening composition into the formed openings and voids. The work is performed by an electric, pneumatic, mechanical pump. Polymer-cement mixtures and epoxy resin prevail among injection mixtures.
Before filling, holes are drilled along the fracture for injection of the composition; for convenience, packers are inserted into them. It is recommended to drill from both sides along large voids. When pumping, maintaining the correct pressure and dosage of components are required.
Sealing
There are often hidden voids near the cracks. They are not visible, but after the renovation new splits will appear. In order to avoid this phenomenon in the future, it is necessary to examine the concrete base and determine the places affected by corrosion.
Sealing - filling the resulting voids with a composition that ensures tightness. A similar "operation" is carried out after preparation. Around the crack, tap the entire surface with a hammer. The sound will tell you the quality of the concrete and the presence of hollowness. You can do without this, but simply chip concrete by 30 centimeters on both sides of the crack.
Clean the resulting opening from debris and dust. Prepare a trowel or spatula. Any composition is used: polymer-sealing based on polyurethane; epoxy resin; sand-cement mixture with the inclusion of plasticizers. Apply sealant repair compound to the prepared area and allow to dry.
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