Final Paper-Libre PDF
Final Paper-Libre PDF
O F REINFO RC ED
C O NC RETE
The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that reinforced concrete structures have the
potential to last for prolonged periods when properly cared for using the technology and
knowledge that is currently available, and that will become available in the future.
During the 20th century, reinforced concrete became an increasingly popular building
material for everything from houses to highways, resulting in a new breed of historic
structures that will need specialized care. The main three sub-topics that are addressed
in this paper are how to properly maintain reinforced concrete, how to recognize
failures, and the treatment options available to remedy them.
Shayna L. Scott
1/29/2015
INTRODUCTION
Association 2014)
The field of architectural conservation is one that
must constantly evolve to include the study of
S. L. Scott
P age |1
CYCLICAL MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance is vital to the preservation
of RC. It allows for the early detection of
physical, chemical and mechanical damage.
Other components such as gutters, downspouts
and roofs must also be up-kept, if not they can
contribute to the deterioration of RC. For
example, a clogged gutter or a leaky roof can
cause water damage to RC. Factors that might
determine the maintenance schedule for a
structure include materials, geographic location,
building use, and the age of the building.
S. L. Scott
P age |2
alterations.
CLEANING METHODS
new.
SURFACE TREATMENTS
S. L. Scott
P age |3
SUB-SURFACE TREATMENTS
The application of water repellants and
impregnations that are not hydrophobic, are
only suitable for isolated areas. 3 These coatings
should be used sparingly because they often
leave a film on the concrete surface and are
irreversible.
Hydrophobic impregnations penetrate the
Figure 6. Cracks in Concrete Wall.
chemicals.
Waterproof coatings can improve a concrete
surfaces ability to resist external elements.
Waterproof treatments do not function the same
as water repellents. With water repellents, the
objective is to change the nature of the concrete
by filling the pores. Concrete needs to remain
breathable to allow the escape egress of water
vapors. In regions that have saturated soils, a
condition called damp rising can cause austere
impairment of the RC if the moisture does not
have a path of egress, see Figure 8. 2
S. L. Scott
3
Impregnation is the treatment of concrete to make
the surface stronger and less porous by partial or
complete filling of the capillaries. (Sika n.d.)
P age |4
Figure 9. Efflorescence.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
n.d.)
S. L. Scott
P age |5
PHYSICAL ATTACKS
Impacts to the
S. L. Scott
P age |6
aesthetics of a building.
S. L. Scott
P age |7
occurred.
S. L. Scott
P age |8
rebar corrosion.
S. L. Scott
P age |9
indicative of efflorescence.
S. L. Scott
P a g e | 10
materials that have plasticity, consist of a onecompound polyurethane and are durable. (n.d.,
16-17)
sealing agent.
S. L. Scott
P a g e | 11
contain epoxy.
REBAR REPAIRS
S. L. Scott
P a g e | 12
S. L. Scott
P a g e | 13
SUMMARY
Reinforced concrete has strengths and weaknesses just like any other building material. The negative
aspect of RC is that the combination of concrete and metal make the material vulnerable to a multitude of
physical, chemical and mechanical attacks. If the embedded steel rebar corrodes, it directly affects the
concrete by expanding and can causing the concrete to crack, spall or break off from pressure. Likewise,
the concrete is a protective barrier to the embedded steel; damage to the concrete will expose the steel to
attacks from the elements. The positive aspect of RC is that it is a manufactured material based on
engineering and science. Admixtures, surface treatments and impregnations are available that greatly
reduce the risks of attacks by moisture and chemicals.
Maintenance is the key to sustaining RC structures now and in the future. Regular cleanings of RC
structures are essential and it provides an opportunity to inspect previous repairs and recognize failures.
The roof, gutters and downspouts should be checked frequently to assure they are in proper working order,
and water should be diverted away from the structure whenever possible. It is imperative that exterior
paints and coatings be well preserved to maintain the barrier that protects concrete from various attacks.
Professionals such as contractors or architectural conservators should always perform repairs. The least
invasive treatment should always be chosen to preserve the integrity of a structure whether it is historic or
not. As discussed earlier, the plasticity and uniform nature of concrete allows repairs to blend in a seamless
way that is not possible with other building materials. There is a vast amount of information in books,
online and in professional journals that can be used to make intelligent decisions about the care of this
unique composite material.
Based on the information that has been reviewed, it is understandable why RC has been used to build
everything from small residential homes to massive highway systems. Technology and scientific research
has already provided non-destructive ways to maintain and repair RC that will preserve the integrity of the
material. There is no doubt that experts in the study of RC will continue to advance and create new and
improved methods of sustaining RC structures. RC is a flexible, strong, and valuable building material that
is worth all the time and effort that scientists, engineers and builders have dedicated to its development.
There are already historic RC structures that are valuable to our history, and in the future, more will be
recognized and preserved for centuries to come with proper care.
LIST OF FIGURES
Cover Image. Accessed January 30, 2015.
http://technicalstudiescsat.myblog.arts.ac.uk/2013/04/28/task-5-reinforced-concrete-failures/
Figure 1. Egyptian Pyramids Constructed w/ Concrete. Accessed February 3, 2015.
http://www.culturefocus.com/egypt_pyramids.htm
Figure 2. The Pantheon in Rome. Built w/ Concrete-like Substance. Accessed February 3, 2015.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on
Figure 3. Crown Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. Accessed February 7, 2015.
http://0-www.britannica.com.library.scad.edu/EBchecked/topic/381736/Ludwig-Mies-van-der-Rohe
Figure 4. Guggenheim Museum: Spiral Ramp and Glass Dome. Accessed February 7, 2015. http://0www.britannica.com.library.scad.edu/EBchecked/topic/649476/Frank-Lloyd-Wright
Figure 5. Pressure Washing on Exterior Concrete Wall. Accessed February 11, 2015.
http://www.sodablast.ca/sand-blasting
Figure 6. Cracks in Concrete Wall. Accessed February 14, 2015.
http://www.stellarpaintingandremodeling.com/tag/colorado-painting-contractors/
Figure 7. Layers of Historical Paint on Wall. Accessed February 14, 2015.
http://kk.org/streetuse/2007/11/layers-of-time/
Figure 8. Rising Damp on Concrete Wall. Accessed February 15, 2015.
http://www.wisepropertycare.com/rising-damp/what-is-rising-damp/
Figure 9. Efflorescence. Accessed February 15, 2015.
http://www.retrofittingcalifornia.com/efflorescence-problem/
Figure 10. Water Absorbing Tree. Accessed Online February 15, 2015.
http://www.houseplantsguru.com/absorption-of-water-through-roots-in-flowering-plants
Figure 11. Erosion Damage. Accessed Online February 21, 2015. http://saberconcrete.com/services/otherservices/
Figure 12. Abrasion Damage. Accessed Online February 21, 2015.
http://www.techcoat.com/abrasionresistance.html
Figure 13. Freeze/Thaw Damage. Accessed Online February 17, 2015.
http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/thinshells/module%20III/concrete_behavior_text.htm#_Toc5593991
S. L. Scott
P age |1
Figure 14. Overloaded Structural Beam. Accessed Online February 21, 2015.
http://www.structural.net/case-study/pre-stressed-beam-repair-washington-dc-parking-structure
Figure 15. Map Cracking in ASR Damaged Concrete. Accessed Online February 22, 2015.
http://www.bam.de/en/aktuell/presse/bildarchiv/fotoachiv_material_umwelt.htm
Figure 16. Oxidation Process. Accessed Online February 22, 2015. http://www.cement.org/for-concretebooks-learning/concrete-technology/durability/corrosion-of-embedded-materials
Figure 17. Rust Stains from Corroded Steel. Accessed Online February 22, 2015.
http://corrosion.ksc.nasa.gov/corrincon.htm
Figure 18. Spalling Damage. Accessed Online February 16, 2015.
http://civildigital.com/spalling-concrete-causes-prevention-repair
Figure 19. Efflorescence. Photographed by Author.
Figure 20. Mold & Soil Stains. Photographed by Author.
Figure 21. Repair of Small, Dormant Crack. Accessed Online February 23, 2015.
http://www.earndig.com/extraordinary-easy-how-to-repair-walls-cracked/stucco-dry-wall-repair-sheetrockcracked-foundation-ceiling-drywall-hole-diy-concrete-crack-in-basement-ideas-patching-holes-cost-floorcontractor-wall-cracks-repair-by-experts-554x415/
Figure 22. Transfer of Crack to Contraction Joint. Accessed Online. February 23, 2015.
http://www.cement.org/for-concrete-books-learning/concrete-technology/concreteconstruction/contraction-control-joints-in-concrete-flatwork
Figure 23. Stitching Repair of Concrete. Accessed Online. February 23, 2015.
http://theconstructor.org/concrete/repair-of-active-cracks-in-concrete/7726/
Figure 24. Installation of External Plates. Accessed Online February 20, 2015.
http://www.felix.by/news/118/consulting/
Figure 25. Electrochemical Chloride Extraction. Accessed Online February 22, 2015.
http://www.jpbroomfield.co.uk/ace/resources/chlorem-1-w640h480.jpg
Figure 26. Cathodic Protection System. Accessed Online February 24, 2015.
http://remedialtechnology.com.au/themes/VSRTTheme/resources/flash/cathodic%20protection_flv.png
Figure 27. Re-Alkalization Process. Access Online. February 24, 2015.
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/US6258236B1/US06258236-20010710-D00000.png
S. L. Scott
P age |2
REFERENCES
Bastidas, Cobo, Otero & Gonzalez. n.d. "Electrochemical rehabilitation methods for reinforced concrete
structures: advantages and pittfalls." Corrosion Engineering, Science & Technology.
Bromfield, John. 1996. "The Repair of Reinforced Concrete." Buildingconservation.com. Accessed 01 06,
2015. http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/concrete/concrete.htm.
California Paints. unknown. Choosing The Right Type of Paint. Accessed 01 07, 205.
http://www.californiapaints.com/Project-Guides/Painting-Basics/Before-You-Begin/ChoosingPaint-Type.aspx.
Civil Engineers Forum. 2015. Concrete: Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete. 01 16. Accessed 02
02, 2015. http://civilengineersforum.com/concrete-advantages-disadvantages/.
Concrete Foundations Association of North America. n.d. "CFA- Tech Notes TN004 Cracking."
cfawalls.org. Accessed 01 30, 2015.
http://www.cfawalls.org/downloads/cfa_cracking_flyer_v08.pdf.
Coney, William B., AIA. 2012. "Preservation Briefs: 15 Preservation of Historic Concrete: Problems and
General Approaches." U.S. General Services Administration. 09 10. Accessed 02 05, 2015.
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111618.
Forty, Adrian. 2012. Concrete and Culture: A Material History. London: Reaktion.
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. 2015. Visual Inspection of Concrete. Accessed 02
23, 2015. http://www.nachi.org/visual-inspection-concrete.htm.
Merriam-Webster Inc. 2015. Dolomite. Accessed 02 22, 2015. http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/dolomite.
Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2015. Dictionary and Thesarus - Merriam-Webster Online. Accessed 02 2015.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/.
Park, Sharon C. n.d. Holding the Line: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings. Accessed 01
20, 2015. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/holding-the-line-controlling-unwantedmoisture-in-historic-buildings.shtml.
Penn State Uniersity. nd. "Concrete Behavior." engr.psu.edu. Accessed 02 17, 2015.
http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/thinshells/module%20III/concrete_behavior_text.htm#_Toc5593991.
S. L. Scott
P age |3
Portland Cement Association. 2015. Corrosion of Embedded Metals. Accessed 02 22, 2015.
http://www.cement.org/for-concrete-books-learning/concrete-technology/durability/corrosion-ofembedded-materials.
. 2014. "How Concrete is Made." Cement.org. Accessed 02 04, 2015. http://www.cement.org/cementconcrete-basics/how-concrete-is-made.
. 2002. "Types & Causes of Concrete Deterioration." cement.org. Accessed 02 21, 2015.
http://www.cement.org/docs/default-source/fc_concrete_technology/durability/is536-types-andcauses-of-concrete-deterioration.pdf?sfvrsn=4.
Raluca Sarla, Cristina. 2013. "Reinforced Concrete Failures." Technical Studies Blog.
http://technicalstudiescsat.myblog.arts.ac.uk/2013/04/28/task-5-reinforced-concrete-failures/, 04
28.
Rediff India Abroad. 2006. "Pyramids were built with concrete: Study." Rediff India Abroad: India as it
Happens, 12 01. Accessed 02 03, 2015. http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/dec/01look.htm.
Servet, Kayar &. 2013. "Strengthening and Repair of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using External Steel
Plates." Journl of Structural Engineering 929-939.
Sika. n.d. "Technology and Concepts - Repair and Protection of Reinforced Concrete."
Ribaproductselector.com. Accessed 01 19, 2015.
http://www.ribaproductselector.com/Docs/0/06790/external/COL806790.pdf.
Slaton, Gaudette and. 2015. "Preservation f Historic Concrete." National Park Services. Accessed 02 08,
2015. http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/15-concrete.htm.
Speiwick, Mack &. n.d. "Preservation Brief #2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings."
nps.gov. Accessed 02 18, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/2-repoint-mortarjoints.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/2-repoint-mortar-joints.htm.
The Constructor. 2014. Repair of Active Cracks in Concrete. Accessed 02 18, 201.
http://theconstructor.org/concrete/repair-of-active-cracks-in-concrete/7726/.
The Universiy of California Berkley. n.d. "Repair of Reinforced Concrete Structures." Accessed 01 15,
2015. http://www.ce.berkeley.edu/~paulmont/165/repair.pdf.
United States. 2012. Types of Cracks in Concrete and Typical Causes. 02 24. Accessed 01 28, 2015.
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/112806.
S. L. Scott
P age |4