Facilities and buildings may need to be repaired because the structure has degraded to a level where it cannot support the loads for which it is designed, for example in connection with reinforcement corrosion, fire, etc. Structures may also need to be reinforced to support higher loads, e.g. increased traffic loads on bridges, or a change in use in connection with holes in floor slabs. It is important that the concrete structure meets the function and safety requirements placed on it after the chosen measure.
We specialize in repairing concrete structures and our methods and proposals follow “EN-1504-9 – Concrete structures – Products and systems for protection and repair.” The standard provides guidance for the selection of products and systems suitable for the intended use.
Before action can be taken, a condition assessment must have been carried out that identifies causes of degradation, damage and defects. This will then lead to the selection of appropriate principles and methods for protection, repair and strengthening.
Common causes of deterioration of concrete structures are shown in the figure below. Damage is thus classified by cause and the causes can be many. It is then understood that concrete structures may need regular inspections and this can then be referred to as condition assessment.
The purpose of the condition assessment is to identify the status, the need for repairs and to ensure that there is sufficient certainty regarding continued operation and the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
Common causes of deterioration of reinforced concrete structures
To obtain sustainable measures that work over a long period, the choice of measure and material is essential. The measures are divided into nine principles, e.g. Principle 1: Protection against penetration, Principle 2: Moisture control, Principle 3: Repair of concrete, Principle 4: Reinforcement, etc.
Invator AB specializes in reinforcing concrete structures with composite materials and we have more than 30 years of experience. Systems for reinforcing concrete structures with composite materials have been on the market for about 30 years. In Sweden, the first reinforcements of concrete structures were carried out in the mid-90s and today several hundred different types of objects have been reinforced. The reason for reinforcement varies, but commonly it is to be able to take up higher loads or that the function of the structure has changed.
The requirements for reinforcement systems can be found in the Swedish Transport Administration’s VV AMA Anläggning, section EBC.5, where it is stated that “the reinforcement systems shall be well tested and documented”. The requirements for reinforcement systems are also stated in the European standard and Swedish standard SS-EN1504-9 and there as CE-marked products for structural bonding. There are basically three different reinforcement systems, these are reinforcement with laminates, rods and fabric.
Other repair and reinforcement measures may include
- Impregnation and other types of surface protection, polymeric or cement-based
- Cathodic protection
- Castings
- Shotcrete
- Surface-mounted tensioning cables, etc.
We also have experience in the repair and reinforcement of wooden and steel structures.
We help you with technical solutions based on the site, options that are as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as possible. We help you with calculations, advice on execution and method descriptions as well as support during the actual practical action process.