Crack Repair
Recently, a critical repair was undertaken on an airport concrete slab that had developed a significant crack due to weak support that softened during the summer months. The slab became unstable, and to avoid replacing it repair took place. This post details the repair process, showcasing the effectiveness of Ecobeton products, including Crono and Vetrofluid, in restoring the integrity of the concrete slab.
Assessing the Damage
The crack was primarily located at the corner of the slab, where the weak support beneath had led to structural instability. Addressing this issue promptly was crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of the airport runway.
Opening the Crack
was the first step. The operation had to be quick due to ongoing airport activities. Dust extraction, essential for safety, ensured a clean surface for effective repair. Filling the opened crack with deep-penetrating resin ensured a strong bond, stabilizing the bottom of the concrete slab and preparing it for further reinforcement.
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1. Opening the Crack: The first step involved carefully opening the existing crack to prepare it for repair. This allowed for a thorough cleaning and assessment of the internal damage, ensuring the subsequent repair materials could be applied effectively.
2. Filling with Resin: Once the crack was opened, it was filled with a high-quality resin. This step was essential to penetrate deep, bond broken concrete, and provide a solid base for further reinforcement.
3. Inserting Helico Bars: After the resin had set, slits were cut along the crack to insert helico bars. These bars provide additional structural support and help to distribute loads evenly across the repaired area. The insertion of helico bars is a critical step in ensuring the long-term durability of the repair.
4. Application of Crono: Ecobeton’s Crono, certified for airport works, was used to fill the slits and encapsulate the helico bars. Crono is known for its quick-setting properties, exceptional strength and flexibility, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like airport runways. Its use ensures that the repaired slab can withstand the rigorous demands of airport operations. 4.5L of water was mixed with every 25kg bag of CRONO.
5. Treatment with Vetrofluid: Finally, the entire repaired area was treated with Vetrofluid. This advanced product penetrates deeply into the concrete, creating a protective barrier that prevents further deterioration from environmental factors. Vetrofluid not only enhances the durability of the repair but also helps to maintain the structural integrity of the concrete over time.
Finishing Touch
The crack has been filled with Crono, and Vetrufluid has been applied to enhance repair further.
The Outcome
The repair process was a complete success, restoring the concrete slab to its original strength and stability. The use of Ecobeton products, Crono and Vetrofluid, ensured a high-quality repair that will stand the test of time, even under the heavy demands of airport traffic.
Conclusion
This case study highlights the importance of using specialized products and techniques for concrete repairs in critical infrastructure settings like airports. The combination of resin filling, helico bars, Crono, and Vetrofluid provided a comprehensive solution that addressed both the immediate damage and the long-term durability of the concrete slab.