Menu

Expanding Your Business By Calling The Builders


Three Causes of Defects in Concrete Structures

It is usually wise to identify the root cause of a problem so that the remedy you implement can have a lasting effect. Many homeowners repair the concrete on their properties without taking time to investigate why that problem occurred. Consequently, the repair may not produce lasting results. This article discusses some common causes of problems in concrete structures. Use this information to select the best repair option for the defect in your concrete.

Mechanical Causes 

Several mechanical factors can cause defects in concrete. For example, a concrete floor can crack if it is overloaded. Explosions, vibrations and settlement are also mechanical causes of concrete defects. A lasting solution should address the root cause of the problem. For example, it would be futile to continue overloading the concrete floor after patching the cracks that developed earlier on. More cracks will develop unless you stop overloading that floor.

Chemical Causes

Chemical factors refer to those things that react with the concrete structure to the extent that the chemical composition of that structure is altered. For example, biological matter (like algae) can secrete enzymes that react with the concrete and cause it to start flaking. Aggressive agents, such as road salts, can also react chemically with the concrete and cause defects to develop.

Appropriate repair techniques in this case should target halting these reactions so that the concrete remains stable. For instance, any exposed rebar inside a concrete column should have an anti-corrosion coating applied so that saltwater is prevented from causing rust to push against the concrete surrounding that rebar.

Physical Causes

Physical causes of concrete defects are factors that alter the physical dimensions of concrete without altering its chemical composition. For instance, low temperatures can cause the concrete to shrink in size. That shrinkage can then cause the concrete to crack. Similarly, water can cause concrete to expand to the point of cracking once that water freezes and expands inside the pores found in the concrete.

The repair method that is selected should address that root cause so that additional damage isn't caused. For example, one should seal a concrete floor so that moisture ingress is halted in order to avert future damage due to freeze/thaw effects of moisture in concrete pores.

As you can see, ample attention needs to be invested in isolating the actual cause of a concrete defect before any attempt is made to repair that concrete. Only then will you see lasting results. Consult concrete contractors for help in case you are unsure about the most appropriate repair technique for your concrete structure.

About Me

Expanding Your Business By Calling The Builders

Hello, my name is Lisa. Welcome to my blog. The topics I will cover in my blog are to do with construction. I should be clear from the outset, I do not work in construction myself, but I recently hired a team of construction workers to carry out some work renovating and extending my business premises. I was dreading the day work started because I didn't understand anything about what was going on. Thankfully, the guys were great and they explained everything they were doing to me. My business is much bigger and better than it was before. Enjoy my blog!

Latest Posts

Navigating the Terrain: The Precision of Land and Construction Surveying
5 February 2024

Welcome to an exploration of land and construction

The Benefits of Concrete Polishing
29 November 2023

When it comes to flooring options, concrete is oft

Understanding Louvre Roof Systems
18 August 2023

Are you looking for the perfect way to shelter and

A Comprehensive Guide To Timber Products
8 March 2023

Are you a construction contractor who is consideri

What Do You Need to Know about the Different Types of Concrete Cutting?
8 March 2023

Concrete cutting is an essential part of many cons