Concrete is an incredibly strong and versatile material, which is why it is used in so many different building and construction projects.
It is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear and can stand the test of time, however like anything it can sometimes be subject to problems of its own and concrete repairs may well be necessary at some point in the future.
Cracking is a common issue when working with concrete, however, unlike other materials this often occurs in the early stages of working with concrete. As such, if applied correctly, this problem can be prevented.
Shrinkage is the most common cause of cracking in concrete so minimising this is important. This occurs when the concrete is hardening and the water in the mixture begins to evaporate.
When concrete begins to set and harden, it produces heat. This forces the water in the concrete to evaporate quickly and when this gets out of hand it can cause water to evaporate faster than intended, therefore causing cracks.
Temperature regulation when working with concrete can help to prevent this, as well as working in controlled sections and allowing different areas and parts to harden and cure rather than working on larger areas all at once.
Deformation can also cause cracking. This can be due to compression and force pushing against the concrete, which causes it to crack, much like any other material that is subject to extreme force or weight.
Using reinforced concrete can help prevent this. By including steel bars or reinforcing fibers in the concrete itself, it provides additional strength to the material, allowing it to withstand more pressure and weight without cracking.
Concrete can also swell during curing which, similar to shrinkage, causes it to crack. This is due to exposure to salts and sulphates, which can be found in the ground on which the concrete stands, causing a chemical reaction and making the concrete swell.
This can worsen over time so ensuring proper care and preparation is taken to avoid this is vital to make sure your structures remain strong and safe.