Diagnostics approach towards Structural repairs

Typical issues in RCC structures

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Corrosion Cracking Spalling of concrete Leakage / seepage Bulging of concrete Deflection of structural members, etc.,

CRACKS indicate the beginning of deterioration in most cases

LEAKAGE

Can be very ugly and dangerous

SPALLING

Result of neglected leakage & cracks for long time

Factors that lead to Problems

Built in problems (Internal) External Causes Man made causes Natural calamities

Internal Cause
Design issues Improper selection of materials Wrong waterproofing specifications Faulty construction methods

External Cause
Environmental attack Chlorides Carbon dioxide Sulphates Humidity

Man made causes

Change in use of structures Over loading Unplanned modifications /alterations Poor maintenance

Natural calamities
Earthquake Flood Fire Cyclones

Typical Causes:
Corrosion of rebar
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Chemically active soil Pollution Industrial abuse (chemicals) High relative humidity Environmental attack

Chloride & Co2 induced

Cracks due to corrosion A major problem

Protection reduced Concrete becomes porous Entry of CO2 & Chlorides & moisture

Co2 induced corrosion

Chloride induced corrosion

Approach to systematic repairs Inspection most important activity

must be done by a professional
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Every structure requires different approach. E.g. building structure, industrial str, jetty, cooling towers, intake pump houses, dams, bridges, etc., All locations of distress should be noted Original drawings, if available, should be referred

Approach to systematic repairs Cause and need identification:

-What -Why

is main cause? is the life expectancy? is the importance of structure?

repairs?

-What -What -Is

the need only to patch repairs? Or any other

Unless the cause is identified and removed, repairs can not be effective & complete.

Approach to repairs must be different for different structures River pump house Jetty Industrial building

NEED??
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Life extension Strengthening

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Increase in loads Seismic Restoration to original design values Protection

Diagnosis: (Visual inspection + Diagnosis) Comparison Structural engineer = Doctor Pathological tests = NDT

Diagnosis: NDTs are effective tools to determine the health of concrete

TO ASSESS PERFORMANCE LEVEL DURING SERVICE LIFE

PARAMETERS TO BE EVALUATED
a) STRENGTH (IN-SITU) b) DURABILITY PERFORMANCE presence of internal voids/ cracks, materials likely to cause disruption of concrete (sulphate or alkali reactive aggregates), extent or risk of reinf. corrosion, chloride content, cover thickness, permeability etc.

NDT:
Common NDTs are
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Rebound hammer test USPV Half cell potential meter Rebar locator Core test Thickness test Carbonation test Chemical analysis