How To Treat Concrete Cancer?

by David Mickel Educational Management

Concrete cancer, also known as concrete spalling, refers to rust coming from inside the concrete precisely within reinforcing steel. When the steel rusts, it expands up to seven times its original size thus, displacing the surrounding concrete. If left untreated, concrete cancer can slowly kill an entire building. It starts with cracks and pieces of concrete coming loose and falling to the ground.

Moreover, it is essential to look out for signs of concrete cancer to treat them before it gets worse and destroys an entire building. Some of the symptoms include:

Crumbling or cracking concrete
Rust stains from the concrete
Bubbling concrete render
Roof leaks
Leaks in internal walls
Concrete expanding outwards

These will serve as warning signs; however, the problem may likely be more extensive than what is visible on the surface. It is also challenging to know the extent of the damage if the concrete is not chiseled away.

Treating Concrete Cancer

Concrete cancer is a severe problem in any building. Therefore, it is crucial to involve a professional when you notice signs. Proper treatment will rectify the issue and provide a long-term solution to building owners to achieve a solid wall. Besides, a professional structural engineer can recommend different possible solutions depending on the origin of concrete cancer. Below are a few types of substantial cancer treatment recommended by specialists.

Polymer Modified Repair System

Polymer modified repair system is used when the issue causing concrete cancer is concrete carbonation or low concrete cover. During this treatment method, the concrete around reinforcing bars is removed. In addition, all the cracked and spalled concrete is drawn to show the steel within. It is cleaned to free it from corrosion using different techniques before any steel primer, or polymer-modified material is used to shield it from corrosion effectively.

Simple Replacement

When the damage from concrete cancer is moderate, professional engineers recommend removing the damaged concrete then cleaning the surface before replacing the rusted steel. Any cracks on the wall will then be filled, rendering concrete cancer fully treated.

Electrochemical treatment

This method of treating concrete cancer is recommended for buildings/properties near water. The treatment process is usually a little more tedious than other forms of treatment. Electrochemical treatment involves removing chloride-contaminated concrete by water blasting or using power hammers, concrete saws, chisels, and other similar tools and numerous ways. After removing the chloride, a protective coating is applied to the rebar to make it corrosion-resistant. Also, to strengthen the protection from chloride contamination, experts use a surface treatment in the form of cathodic protection.

Final Verdict

Concrete cancer is a severe problem occurring on concrete and is often overlooked due to the common misconception that concrete is indestructible. While it only seems like a nuisance, concrete cancer can render a once solid building structurally damaged. Conclusively, after applying any of the above concrete cancer treatment methods to repair your building/property, ensure you allow it to cure correctly before doing the finishing bit. If you think your building may have a case of concrete cancer, contact Rock Solid at once.