Restoration of reinforced concrete structures
Reinforced concrete is a composite structural material made of concrete (capable of withstanding large compressing forces) and steel (which offers excellent traction resistance). Despite its considerable mechanical resistance features, it is relatively vulnerable and subject to deterioration.
The main causes of concrete degradation can be mechanical (overload, vibration, impact, etc.), chemical (biological activity, aggressive agents, etc.), physical (frost or thaw, thermal cycles, salt crystallization, retreat, erosion etc.) or fire. The deterioration of metal armors occurs predominantly through corrosive contaminants, stray currents or carbonation.
Normally, several of these factors work in unison and contribute to the deterioration of the material.
The correct choice of materials to be used and the preventive planning of the intervention methods allow for increased physical strength and resistance of structures, protection against chemical agents, moisture control and protection against ingress.
It is of utmost importance to carry out preventive protection treatments, even on newly-built structures, that allow an important increase in the durability of the product itself.
Main standard references
UNI EN 1504-1:2005: products and systems for protecting and repairing concrete structures – definitions, requirements, quality control and conformity assessment – definitions.
UNI EN 1504-2:2005: concrete surface protection systems.
UNI EN 1504-3:2006: structural and non-structural repairs.
UNI EN 1504-4:2005: structural bonding.
UNI EN 1504-5:2013: concrete injection
UNI EN 1504-6:2007: concrete injection.
UNI EN 1504-7:2007: protection against corrosion of the armor.
UNI EN 1504-8:2016: quality control and evaluation and verification of performance constancy (AVCP).
UNI EN 1504-9:2009: general principles for the use of the products and systems.
UNI EN 1504-10:2005: aapplying products and systems and work quality control.