Concrete is usually weak in tension but quite strong in compression. This allows it take compressive forces or loads when steel is added as is used for retaining walls and columns. For concrete to take tensile strengths, it is bonded with reinforcements. This is usually in beams and slabs. After casting the concrete, damages or defects may occur. This maybe honey combs, bending or leakages from water. This defects can be repaired and the concrete made good.
The repair of concrete work should be undertaken in dry weather if possible. This allows the works to dry and achieve the required strength. After the correction is done, it must be cured continuously for at least one week. When the defects are appearing as cracks on structural concrete, an engineer should give directions. The structural engineer should assess the cracks and give recommendations. The repairs for general concrete defects can be done at home.
When ready to repair concrete, ensure the required materials are available. This are chippings, cement and sand. The reason for using chippings is because of there size in relation to ballast or coarse aggregate. They can be able to set in small holes like for honey comb defects. the sand is used on concrete structures that are not structural. The honey comb is the most common defect. This is concrete with air pockets visible on the surfaces after casting.
The concrete is hacked thoroughly to remove the loose materials. The hollow formed is watered thoroughly. After this, chippings are mixed with cement to form a good consistency. This paste is then applied to the raked out areas. This is done in layers until the void is filled. When it is completely filled, a wood float is used to smoothen it to shape of the existing surface. This is then cured for at least one week and then the appropriate finish is applied to the concrete surface.
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