Repair, Protection and Waterproofing of Concrete Structures
US and Canada, cathodic protection has been used for many years before
it was given serious consideration in the UK. The removal of chlorides by
electrochemical means has also been tried in the US, but with mixed success.
In France, considerable use (appreciably more so than in the UK) is made
of special elastomeric coatings to increase the durability of the repaired
areas of concrete, and to reduce greatly the risk of corrosion of reinforcement
in new construction. These coatings are formulated to reduce water
penetration into the concrete and comparatively little attention is given to
the ability of the coating to prevent/reduce diffusion of carbon dioxide
into the concrete.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ENGINEER OR OTHER
PROFESSIONALS
An engineer who is instructed to investigate and report on a deteriorated
concrete structure, and to prepare recommendations for necessary remedial
work, should be clear in his own mind on the extent of his responsibilities
to his client.
If he is responsible for the inspection of the remedial work to ensure
that the requirements of the contract are complied with and the certification
of payments-on-account to the contractor, then it is in the interests of his
client that good relations with the contractor are maintained. These ‘good
relations’ will be reflected in the standard of work, and its completion within
the contract period.
The use of proprietary methods of repair can introduce problems in
clearly defining the responsibilities of the engineer.
PROFESSIONALS
An engineer who is instructed to investigate and report on a deteriorated
concrete structure, and to prepare recommendations for necessary remedial
work, should be clear in his own mind on the extent of his responsibilities
to his client.
If he is responsible for the inspection of the remedial work to ensure
that the requirements of the contract are complied with and the certification
of payments-on-account to the contractor, then it is in the interests of his
client that good relations with the contractor are maintained. These ‘good
relations’ will be reflected in the standard of work, and its completion within
the contract period.
The use of proprietary methods of repair can introduce problems in
clearly defining the responsibilities of the engineer.
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