Call Us Now!
(708) 473-7865 - IL | (219) 365-8336 - IN
Types of Concrete Deterioration
You can rely on Pavement Maintenance Solutions, Inc. for all of your commercial concrete requirements. We want you to comprehend the life cycle and how to recognize problems.
Give us a call right away or reach out if any of your commercial concrete looks like these samples! We are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and we provide free quotations! We are eager to meet you and learn how we can assist!
What is Concrete?
Concrete is composed of Portland cement, aggregate, and water. In most cases, additives and structural reinforcement such as fiber or steel wire are needed to strengthen the concrete from cracking and shattering. When these materials are mixed together, they form a solid stone-like surface used for sidewalks, driveways, and other rigid surfaces or structures.
Common Issues with Concrete Installation
Adding to much water to concrete can cause several surface defects. Water should be added only once, if needed, to restore slump when concrete arrives to the jobsite.
Types of Concrete Deterioration
Cracking
Cracking mainly occurs as a result of load distress or the expansion and contraction that concrete experiences throughout the different seasons.
- A good concrete mix design along with the proper installation of expansion and control joints are the best defense against cracking. Using a low-slump, low water content concrete with a high coarse aggregate content will minimize shrinkage and reduce cracking.
- Additionally, the installation of wire mesh and rebar will significantly increase the durability of the concrete and provide greater structural strength and support to the slab.
Spalling
Spalling is a loss of the surface Portland cement that exposes the coarse aggregate. It is caused by freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts.
- The best defense against spalling is to use an air-entrained concrete with a 3 to 5 inch slump.
- Once the contractor has a good concrete mix, they can compromise it by using poor construction techniques.
- If they sprinkle water on the surface after curing.
- By finishing the surface too early they can trap water under the surface, forming a weakened surface which can result in spalling.
Popouts
Popouts are marks in the surface, usually caused when porous aggregates absorb water quickly and expand when they experience freeze-thaw cycles.
- Most aggregates that cause popouts are light in weight. In high slump concrete they tend to float to the surface where they are more likely to become saturated and cause popouts.
Frost Heaving
Frost heaving occurs when the ground moisture underneath the stone base freezes and then lifts certain parts of the concrete slab instead of the entire structure.
- Frost heaving most commonly occurs in front of doors which can stop them from opening and on sidewalks where they may pose serious tripping hazards.