34 CHAPTER 4 Planning and design of concrete repair

When estimating the thickness of concrete to be applied as the minimum amount required
to cover material, the floor finish may be counted for nonstructural considerations.

CREEP
Repair materials should have a creep factor consistent with the material being
repaired. Stress relaxation through tensile creep reduces the potential for cracking.
Refer to the manufacturers documents when selecting an appropriate creep rate for
various repairs.

PERMEABILITY
Good concrete is relatively impermeable to liquids. However, moisture evaporates
at a surface, and replacement liquid is pulled to the evaporating surface by diffusion.
This has to be considered when making a repair. Any large patch or overlay that is
made with an impermeable material can trap moisture between the existing concrete surface and the seal made by the repair. If this happens, the repair is likely to
fail. You should use a repair material that has low water absorption and high water
vapor transmission characteristics.
The minimum number of longitudinal bars in compression members is four bars within
rectangular or circular ties.

Active cracks
Pattern
cracks

Yes

Improbable
occurrence

Strengthening
required?

Isolated
cracks

No

Unbonded
overlay

Yes

1. Stitching
2. Additional
reinforcement

FIGURE 4.3
Selection of repair method for active cracks. (From Johnson, 1965)
Courtesy of United States Army Corps of Engineers

Strengthening
required?

No

1. Flexible sealing
2. Drilling and
plugging