Selection and Use of Polymer-Based Materials in the Repair of Concrete Structures

Abstract

A large number of specialty repair concrete products are currently marketed and new products are being continually introduced leaving clients, engineers, and designers bewildered. The paucity of information on the mechanical and thermal properties of a given product complicates material selection. These difficulties force designers to adopt materials that have properties close to those of the original concrete. In so doing they often reject advantages offered by polymer-based products now on the market. The challenge is to understand the properties of each material and select the appropriate one. To assure predictable performance, the designer must have a good knowledge and understanding of the properties of the repair material, how it will interact with the environment in service, and a clear description of maintenance procedures and intervals. Typical properties of currently used polymeric materials in relation to the important aspect of selection based on compatibility with in-service conditions and suitability with the application procedures of the job are discussed.