What to do if the concrete began to crumble

Concrete is a strong and durable material used for the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels and other structures. But even with proper installation and compliance with operating conditions, this construction compound can begin to crumble and crack. In this article we will talk about the causes of concrete crumbling, how to repair it and how to avoid this problem.

Causes of concrete crumblingConcrete can crumble for various reasons.

Below are some of them:

• Incorrect mixing. If during the mixing process the solution has not been sufficiently whipped and has not absorbed the right amount of water, it can become dry and brittle. Such concrete will be prone to cracks and crumbling.
• Insufficient strength. In the absence of a set of proper strength due to violations of the pouring technology, the structure may not withstand weight or load, and begin to crumble.
• Lack of waterproofing. If the material has not been protected from the effects of water, liquid and moisture can penetrate inside and cause the destruction of the material.
• The effects of frost. Freezing and thawing cycles gradually destroy the material.
• Exposure to chemicals. If the screed has been exposed to chemicals, it can lead to destruction.

How to repair concrete that crumbles If the concrete has started to crumble, it is necessary to make repairs.

To do this, you can use different materials, depending on the cause of crumbling, the degree of damage and the required strength. Let's look at some of them in more detail. 

• Cement-sand repair mixOne of the most common materials for the repair of crumbling composition is a cement-sand repair mixture.

This mixture consists of cement, sand and water, and is used to fill cracks and surface defects. It can also be used to create a new surface layer. One of the most budget options. 

• Impregnation for concreteIf the damage is more serious, then impregnating hardeners, for example Teknoser Lityum, can be used.

This lithium silicate-based material has a high resistance to aggressive environments. It can be used to harden concrete, which dusts and crumbles, since when applied it penetrates deeply into the surface and increases its stability. 

• Epoxy coatingsTwo—component epoxy primers are a group of materials that are used to repair crumbling concrete in dry conditions.

The composition has high strength and stability, and it is also very versatile. The primer can be used to fill cracks and deformations, as well as to create a new surface layer.

• Acrylic varnishesAcrylic mixtures are used to repair minor damages and cracks.

They contain acrylic resin, which provides high adhesion to the surface and protection from UV rays.

• Hydraulic sealsIf the cause of crumbling is water, then special hydraulic seals are used for repair.

These are compounds that penetrate the damaged layer, quickly grasp and strengthen it. Hydraulic seals are used to repair structures such as bridges, dams and buildings that are constantly exposed to water.