What are the best methods to repair concrete cracks?

Dec 1

crack repairs in Phoenix include epoxy injection, routing & sealing, grouting, sawing, drilling, and plugging, as well as a gravity filling of concrete fractures.

This article will detail the specifics of these strategies in order to select appropriate methods for various kinds of concrete cracks.

Concrete Crack Repair Techniques

Injection of epoxy

For fissures under 0.002 inches, epoxy injection is used (0.05mm). The main steps are to create the entrance and vent holes along with fractures, seal the crack on exposed surfaces, then inject the epoxy under pressure.

Epoxy injection is a method that can be used to repair fractures within concrete structures, such as buildings, bridges or dams. It has proven very effective. It is essential to identify the source of cracking so that it does not occur again.

Procedure for injecting epoxy

Cracks need to be repaired.

First, clean any contaminated cracks as soon as it is possible. Concrete particles, oil, grease, and other contaminants can reduce epoxy's ability for penetration and bonding. This will impact repair effectiveness. If possible, remove the contamination by using water or other cleaning solutions.

You should seal surfaces.

The epoxy should not leak out of the surface fractures before it has fully cured. The epoxy may seal the crack if it is not possible to reach the crack's surface but there is either backfill material or a slab-on-grade.

You can seal the crack by applying epoxy, polyester, and allowing it time to dry. If the crack has a permanently glossy appearance and you don't want it to be, a plastic strippable surface sealer may be used.

Install the entry- and exit ports as shown below:

There are 3 ways you can use this:

Fittings placed into a drilled hole: This method was the first, and is often used together with crack V-grooving. Drilling a hole through the crack with a depth of 3/4 inches. (20 mm) at a depth between 1/2 and 1 in. The method can be used from 13 to 25 mm below the apex V grooved section.

The flush fitting is used to create an entry port for cracks that have not been V grooved. The flush fitting features an opening at the top for the glue and a flange at the bottom.

A third method is to remove the seal around a portion of the crack. This method can be used when there are special gasket devices available that cover the crack and allow the glue to be injected directly into the crack. Combine the epoxy, the water.

These can be achieved using either continuous or batch processes. Batch mixing refers to the mixing of adhesive components according to the manufacturer's specifications. It is typically done using a mechanical stirrer, similar to a paint-mixing paddle.

You should only mix as much glue as you can before gelling the material.

Inject the epoxy resin.

There are many options for hydraulic pumps, paint pots, and an air-actuated caulking gun. Careful selection of the injection pressure is essential. Injection rates will not increase if pressure is increased.

If the crack has sloped or is vertical, begin by injecting epoxy in the entry port at its lowest elevation. Continue working your way to the top until the epoxy level reaches above the entry point.

Horizontal cracks need to be injected in the exact same way at each end. The crack will close if it can be maintained at a constant pressure. The epoxy will leak out of cracks if the pressure isn't maintained.

You should remove the sealant from the surface

After the epoxy has hardened by grinding, or other means, it is necessary to remove the surface seal.

Optional procedure

Drilling several holes, typically 7/8 to 4-in. Another option for massive structures is to drill several holes (usually between 7/8 and 4-in. Holes are normally located at intervals of five feet (1.55 meters). Another recent method is the vacuum or vacuum assistance approach.

Crack Routing, Sealing

Crack routing and seal may be an option in cases where remedial repair is necessary but not structural repair. This involves expanding the fracture along its exposed face, filling it with a suitable sealant, then sealing it.

This is a common technique for treating cracks. It is simpler than the training and procedures required for epoxy injection. The method works well for horizontal surfaces that are flat like floors and pavements.

Phoenix Concrete Contractors

Phoenix, Az

(480) 992 5070