Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Jazan university
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department

Method of repair of Reinforced concrete

column

By

Team Members University ID

Ahmed Ibrahim Tobeigi 202000923
Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed Alfaifi 202001539

PROJECT ADVISOR

ABDULLAH EL-SABI
Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................4
Introduction .................................................................................................................5
Assessment of Column Condition ...................................................................................6
1. Visual Inspection: ..................................................................................................6
2. Structural Assessment: ..........................................................................................6
3. Material Analysis: .................................................................................................7
4. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): ..............................................................................7
5. Load Testing: ........................................................................................................7
6. Environmental Factors: ..........................................................................................7
7. Foundation Inspection: ..........................................................................................7
8. Code Compliance: .................................................................................................7
9. Risk Assessment:...................................................................................................7
10. Documentation: ..................................................................................................7
Crack Repair .................................................................................................................8
1.Epoxy Injection: .........................................................................................................8
2.Polyurethane Injection: ..............................................................................................8
3.Crack Stitching: ..........................................................................................................9
4.Flexible Sealing – Grooving and Sealing: .......................................................................9
5.Grouting: ................................................................................................................ 10
6.Reinforcement: ........................................................................................................ 10
7.Monitoring and Maintenance: ................................................................................... 10
Strengthening with External Reinforcement................................................................... 10
1.Reinforced Concrete Jacketing: .................................................................................. 10
Reinforced Concrete Jacketing Process: ......................................................................... 10
2.Steel Jacketing ......................................................................................................... 12
Steel Jacketing Process .......................................................................................... 12
3.Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Wrapping:.................................................................. 13
4.External post-tensioning: .......................................................................................... 13
5.Steel Bracing: .......................................................................................................... 13
Corrosion Mitigation: .................................................................................................. 14
1.Assessment : ........................................................................................................... 14
2.Remove Loose Concrete: .......................................................................................... 15
3.Clean the Surface: .................................................................................................... 15
4.Apply Corrosion Inhibitors: ........................................................................................ 15
5.Apply Rust Converters: ............................................................................................. 15
6.Repair and Patching: ................................................................................................ 15
7.Reinforcement Coating: ............................................................................................ 15
8.Cathodic Protection: ................................................................................................. 16
9.Seal and Waterproof: ............................................................................................... 16
10.Regular Maintenance:............................................................................................. 16
Grouting and Patching: ................................................................................................ 16
1.Surface Preparation:................................................................................................. 16
2.Bonding Agent Application: ....................................................................................... 16
3.Mixing Grout: .......................................................................................................... 16
4.Pre-Wetting : ........................................................................................................... 17
5.Grout Application: .................................................................................................... 17
6.Finishing: ................................................................................................................ 17
7.Curing: .................................................................................................................... 17
Conclusion: ................................................................................................................ 18
Reference .................................................................................................................. 19
 Abstract
Reinforced concrete columns may undergo deterioration due to various factors such as
corrosion, structural overloads, or environmental conditions. Timely and effective
repair methods are essential to restore the structural integrity and prolong the service
life of these columns. This report provides an overview of common repair methods for
reinforced concrete columns, outlining their procedures, advantages, and limitations.
Introduction
The repair of reinforced concrete columns is a crucial process aimed at restoring or
enhancing the structural integrity and functionality of these elements. Over time,
reinforced concrete columns may suffer from various issues such as corrosion,
cracking, spalling, or other forms of deterioration due to environmental factors,
structural loads, or construction deficiencies. The method of repair involves a
systematic approach to address these issues and ensure the long-term stability and
safety of the structure.Before starting the repair of a concrete column, the axial dead
load, axial live load, horizontal load and its associated moments must be known.
Repairs to concrete columns can be divided into two categories. Surface or cosmetic
repair only covers local deterioration and structural repair restores or strengthens the
affected columns. If the deterioration does not significantly reduce the cross section,
the conventional concrete repair can successfully be employed.

Figure 1 repair of Reinforced concrete column.

Assessment of Column Condition
The initial step in the repair process involves a thorough assessment of the concrete
column's condition. Structural inspections are conducted to identify cracks, spalling,
and other forms of damage. The severity and extent of deterioration guide the selection
of appropriate repair methods. Here are some steps and considerations for assessing the
condition of a column:

Figure 2: Ultrasonic Test

1. Visual Inspection:
• Examine the column for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, spalling, or
corrosion.
• Check for any bowing, tilting, or other deformations that may indicate
structural issues.
• Look for signs of water damage or staining, which could suggest ongoing
issues.

2. Structural Assessment:
• Evaluate the overall structural integrity of the column. This may involve a
structural engineer or a qualified professional.
• Consider the load-carrying capacity of the column and whether it meets
current design standards.
3. Material Analysis:
• Identify the material of the column (e.g., concrete, steel) and assess its current
condition.
• For concrete columns, check for signs of concrete degradation, such as
carbonation or sulfate attack.

4. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):

Utilize non-destructive testing methods like ultrasonic testing, radiography, or ground-
penetrating radar to assess the internal condition without damaging the column.

5. Load Testing:
• If necessary, perform load tests to assess the capacity and response of the
column under load.
• Ensure that the load test is conducted by qualified professionals following
safety protocols.

6. Environmental Factors:
Consider the environmental conditions affecting the column, such as exposure to
harsh weather, chemical exposure, or proximity to corrosive elements.

7. Foundation Inspection:
Inspect the foundation supporting the column to ensure it is stable and not
contributing to column deterioration.

8. Code Compliance:
Verify if the column meets current building codes and standards. If not, it may need
upgrades or repairs to comply with regulations.

9. Risk Assessment:
Assess the risk associated with the current condition of the column. This includes
considering potential hazards and consequences if the column were to fail.

10. Documentation:
Maintain detailed records of the assessment, including photographs, measurements,
and test results.
Crack Repair
Cracks in concrete columns can compromise their strength and load-bearing capacity.
Various techniques, such as epoxy injection and polymer-modified mortars, are
utilized to repair and fill these cracks. This helps prevent further propagation and
restores the column's structural stability. Here are some common methods used for
crack repair in concrete columns:

1. Epoxy Injection:
• This method involves injecting epoxy resin into the cracks to bond and seal
them. It is suitable for both vertical and horizontal cracks.
• The epoxy fills the voids, preventing further crack propagation and enhancing
the structural integrity.

Figure 3: epoxy fills the voids.

2. Polyurethane Injection:
• Similar to epoxy injection, polyurethane injection involves injecting a
polyurethane material into the cracks to seal and stabilize them.
• Polyurethane is flexible, allowing for some movement without cracking,
making it suitable for dynamic cracks.

Figure 4: Polyurethane Injection.

 3. Crack Stitching:
• Crack stitching involves embedding materials like steel or carbon fiber strips
into the cracks to provide additional support and prevent further separation.
• This method is effective for both structural repair and as a preventative
measure.

Figure 5: Crack Stitching

4. Flexible Sealing – Grooving and Sealing:

Concrete crack repair is not always sealing the whole crack. When there are
provisions that we can allow the crack remains as it is, cracks sealing methods such as
flexible sealing can be done.

• Concrete cracks that are not affected by the structural capacity, cracks in the
brick walls, etc. can be sealed with grooving and sealing methods.
• In addition, when there are cracks that formed due to the thermal effects,
where continuous expansion and shrinkage occurs, we may repair them with
this method.
• Firstly, it is required to cut a “V” shape groove along the crack. Then crack
can be filled with the flexible sealant.
• If there is a wider crack, and depending on the width of the crack, a backer rod
may be inserted into the crack to minimize the use of the sealant.

Figure 6 Flexible Sealing – Grooving and Sealing

 5. Grouting:
• Grouting involves injecting a cementitious or epoxy grout into the cracks to
fill voids and bond the surfaces together.
• It is particularly useful for cracks in which movement is not anticipated.

6. Reinforcement:
In cases where the cracks are due to structural deficiencies, reinforcing the column
may be necessary. This can involve adding steel or carbon fiber wraps to enhance the
column's strength.

7. Monitoring and Maintenance:

Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to identify new cracks or changes
in existing cracks. Prompt action can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Strengthening with External Reinforcement

In cases where the column's load-carrying capacity needs improvement, external
reinforcement methods are employed. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) or
steel jacketing can be applied externally to enhance the column's strength and
ductility, providing a cost-effective solution for rehabilitation. Here are some common
methods for strengthening columns:

1. Reinforced Concrete Jacketing:

It is one of the techniques used to improve or restore capacity of reinforced concrete column.
The size of the jacket and the number and diameter of the steel bars used in the jacketing
process depend on the structural analysis that was made to the column.

Reinforced Concrete Jacketing Process:

1. Initially, reduce or eliminate loads on columns temporarily if it is required. This is done
by putting mechanical jacks and additional props between floors.
2. After that, if it is found out that reinforcements are corroded, the remove the concrete
cover and clean the steel bars using a wire brush or sand compressor.
3. Then, coat the steel bars with an epoxy material that would prevent corrosion.
4. If reducing loads and cleaning reinforcement is not needed, the jacketing process begin
by adding steel connectors into the existing column.
5. The steel connectors are added into the column by making holes 3-4mm larger than the
diameter of the used steel connectors and 10-15cm depth.
6. The spacing of new stirrups of the jacket in both the vertical and horizontal directions
should not be more than 50cm.
7. Filling the holes with an appropriate epoxy material then inserting the connectors into
the holes.
8. Adding vertical steel connectors to fasten the vertical steel bars of the jacket following
the same procedure in step 5 and 6.
9. Installing the new vertical steel bars and stirrups of the jacket according to the designed
dimensions and diameters.
10. Coating the existing column with an appropriate epoxy material that would guarantee
the bond between the old and new concrete.
11. Pouring the concrete of the jacket before the epoxy material dries. The concrete used
should be of low shrinkage and consists of small aggregates, sand, cement and
additional materials to prevent shrinkage. Steps of reinforced concrete jacketing are
illustrated in Fig. 7.

Figure 7: Increasing the Cross-sectional Area of Column by RC Jacketing

 2. Steel Jacketing
This technique is chosen when the loads applied to the column will be increased, and at the
same time, increasing the cross-sectional area of the column is not permitted.

Steel Jacketing Process

1. Removing the concrete cover.
2. Cleaning the reinforcement steel bars using a wire brush or a sand compressor.
3. Coating the steel bars with an epoxy material that would prevent corrosion.
4. Installing the steel jacket with the required size and thickness, according to the
design, and making openings to pour through them the epoxy material that would
guarantee the needed bond between the concrete column and the steel jacket.
5. Filling the space between the concrete column and the steel jacket with an appropriate
epoxy material.

Figure 8: Increasing the cross-sectional area of column by steel jacketing

3. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Wrapping:
1. Procedure: Applying layers of composite materials, such as carbon or glass fiber-
reinforced polymers, around the column.
2. Benefits: FRP wrapping is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and can be effective in
increasing the column's strength.
3. Considerations: Adequate surface preparation and bonding are essential. The
application should be carried out with precision.

Figure 9: Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Wrapping

4. External post-tensioning:
1. Procedure: Applying external tendons or cables and tensioning them to compress the
column.
2. Benefits: External post-tensioning can improve the column's capacity and
performance under loads.
3. Considerations: Adequate anchorage and proper tensioning are crucial. It requires
careful engineering and construction.

5. Steel Bracing:
1. Procedure: Adding steel braces to provide lateral support to the column.
2. Benefits: Steel bracing can enhance the column's lateral stability and overall
structural performance.
3. Considerations: Proper connection details and structural analysis are important.
 Figure 10: Adding steel braces to provide lateral support to the column

Corrosion Mitigation:
Corrosion of reinforcing steel within concrete columns is a common issue, especially
in aggressive environments. Repair strategies include the removal of corroded steel,
application of anti-corrosion coatings, and installation of corrosion inhibitors to protect
the reinforcement and prevent further deterioration. Here are steps you can take to
repair a concrete column affected by corrosion:

Figure 11: Corrosion.

1. Assessment:
Identify the extent of corrosion damage by inspecting the concrete surface. Look for
cracks, spalling, or discoloration, as these can be indicators of corrosion.
 2. Remove Loose Concrete:
Use appropriate tools to remove any loose or damaged concrete around the corroded
area. This helps in exposing the corroded steel for further assessment and repair.

3. Clean the Surface:

Clean the exposed steel surface using wire brushes, sandblasting, or other suitable
methods to remove rust, contaminants, and other debris. This prepares the surface for
repair materials.

4. Apply Corrosion Inhibitors:

Use corrosion inhibitors on the cleaned steel surface. These inhibitors form a protective
layer on the steel, slowing down or preventing further corrosion. Application methods
may include spraying, brushing, or immersion.

5. Apply Rust Converters:

Rust converters can be applied to convert existing rust into a more stable compound,
preventing further degradation. Ensure that the rust converter used is compatible with
subsequent repair materials.

6. Repair and Patching:

Use appropriate repair materials such as polymer-modified cementitious mortars or
epoxy-based compounds to patch and restore the damaged areas of the concrete. Follow
the manufacturer's guidelines for application.

7. Reinforcement Coating:
Apply a corrosion-resistant coating or wrap the reinforcing steel with materials
designed to prevent corrosion. Epoxy coatings or other specialized corrosion-resistant
coatings can be used for this purpose.

Figure 12: Reinforcement Coating

 8. Cathodic Protection:
In more severe cases, consider installing a cathodic protection system. This involves
placing sacrificial anodes or using impressed current systems to protect the reinforcing
steel from corrosion.

9. Seal and Waterproof:

Apply a waterproofing sealant to the repaired area to protect it from water penetration,
which can contribute to corrosion. This helps in maintaining the durability of the
repaired concrete.

10. Regular Maintenance:

Implement a regular inspection and maintenance schedule to monitor the condition of
the repaired column. Address any signs of deterioration promptly to prevent further
damage.

Grouting and Patching:

For localized damage or voids in concrete columns, grouting and patching materials
are used. High-strength grouts and repair mortars are injected or applied to fill voids,
ensuring uniformity and restoring the column's original strength. Here's a general
guide on how to grout and patch a concrete column:

1. Surface Preparation:
• Clean the surface of the concrete column thoroughly, removing any loose
debris, dust, or contaminants.
• If there are existing cracks, enlarge them slightly to create a V-shaped groove
for better adhesion.

2. Bonding Agent Application:

Apply a bonding agent to enhance the bond between the existing concrete and the
grout material. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

3. Mixing Grout:
Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's specifications. Grout is usually a
mixture of cement, fine aggregates, and additives.
 4. Pre-Wetting:
Dampen the concrete surface with water before applying the grout. This helps prevent
the existing concrete from absorbing water from the grout mixture, which can weaken
the bond.

5. Grout Application:
Apply the grout using a trowel or grout bag, ensuring it fills the voids and completely
covers the damaged areas.

6. Finishing:
Smooth the surface of the grout with a trowel for a neat and even finish.

7. Curing:
Allow the grout to cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Curing
may involve keeping the repaired area moist or covering it with wet burlap to prevent
rapid drying.
Conclusion:
Choosing the appropriate repair method for reinforced concrete columns is essential for
ensuring the long-term structural integrity of a building. A comprehensive assessment of the
damage, considering structural and environmental factors, will help determine the most
suitable repair strategy. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to identify potential
issues early and prevent extensive damage. Implementing these repair methods can
contribute to the sustainable and safe operation of reinforced concrete structures.
Reference
1- Engindeniz, M., Kahn, L. F., & Abdul-Hamid, Z. (2005). Repair and strengthening
of reinforced concrete beam-column joints: State of the art. ACI structural journal,
102(2), 1.
2- Fukuyama, K., Higashibata, Y., & Miyauchi, Y. (2000). Studies on repair and
strengthening methods of damaged reinforced concrete columns. Cement and
Concrete Composites, 22(1), 81-88.
3- Ramírez, J. (1996). Ten concrete column repair methods. Construction and
Building Materials, 10(3), 195-202.
4- Obaidat, Y. T., Ashteyat, A. M., & Alfaris, S. F. (2020). A new technique for
repairing reinforced concrete columns. Journal of Building Engineering, 30, 101256.