Diagnosis and Repair of Deteriorated Concrete Structures

Abstract

In India, we come across many old buildings needing major repairs or go early in to a state of dilapidation condition to make them unfit for occupation.The premature deterioration of structure is an economic burden not only on owners but also to the municipalities’ and nation as a whole. The longer life of structures enables better utilization of natural resources. Reduction in waste due to demolition enhances energy conservation. Such philosophy will be in harmony with the environment and help in achieving sustainability of system. It would also lead to benchmark standards of maintenance and upkeep of buildings. Of course, the buildings/structures should also be appropriately designed for resistance to natural disasters like earthquakes, cyclones, floods etc.This premature deterioration is largely due to poor construction or inappropriate design and/or neglect of timely repairs.Proper understanding of the probable causes of poor performance or faster deterioration of buildings especially concrete structures which constitutes a major part of the structures constructed till date is essential, so that precautionary measures can be taken by the designers, constructors, consultants and the owners. The details of the process, steps and the common methodology in the diagnosis and repair of deteriorated concrete structures are given here.

Keywords:corrosion of rebar, carbonation, chloride attack, ASR, DEF, sulphate attack