Given the huge amount of concrete structures that surround us day to day, it is easy to take concrete for granted and how it enables us to live the lives we do in our evolving urban landscapes. Just like us, concrete needs to be maintained. It is affected by the stresses and strains of everyday life.
Deterioration of concrete may happen due to corrosion, structural damage, water infiltration, seismic activity or a multitude of other reasons. Years of research plus decades of practical experience have enabled Sika to develop a fully comprehensive solution to restore and rehabilitate concrete structures. Sika customer advice and support is second to none, from concept to successful completion on site. This is all based on more than 100 years of experience on large and small projects all over the world.
Sika is the company with the most concrete repair projects awarded worldwide, with
84
ICRI* awards in 16 years.
*The International Concrete and Repair Institute (ICRI) has awarded program honors and recognized outstanding projects in the concrete repair industry since 1997.
Key Causes of Concrete Failure and Why to Fix it
Deterioration of concrete is largely due to:
Chemical degradation, e.g. chemical exposure, alkali aggregate reactions, bacterial action
Corrosion of the reinforcement steel, e.g. carbonation, chlorides, stray electrical current
Mechanical attack, e.g. impact, overloading, movement, earthquake, explosion
Physical damage, e.g. freeze/thaw action, thermal movements, shrinkage, abrasion, wear
Underlying contributors, e.g. poor construction, design faults, lack of maintenanceReasons for concrete repair:
Replace defective concrete
Restore structural integrity
Restore aesthetic appearance
Restore geometric appearance
Restore durability
Products and Systems for Many Concrete Repair Applications
Repair and renovation of concrete buildings and infrastructure is an important process – it helps us to provide a sustainable approach to building – prolonging the life of a structure and preventing demolition and reconstruction. The choice of the appropriate rehabilitation strategy, based on the root cause of concrete failure, can also significantly improve the overall performance of a structure. Sika has a wide portfolio of products and systems to solve many concrete repair needs.
