Repairing a Concrete Soffit Affected by Chloride Attack
In construction, maintaining the integrity of concrete structures is essential for safety and longevity. This project in Lincoln demonstrated Total Specialist Maintenance’s (TSM) expertise in repairing a concrete soffit for a construction contractor facing significant challenges due to chloride attack.
The Challenge
The contractor required urgent repairs to a concrete soffit that had been compromised by chloride attack, leading to corrosion of the embedded steel reinforcement. This deterioration posed serious structural risks, necessitating a robust solution to restore the soffit’s integrity and ensure the safety of the overall structure. Key challenges included:
- Assessing Damage: Evaluating the extent of the chloride attack and determining the necessary repairs to restore structural integrity.
- Implementing Timely Repairs: The contractor needed a swift and effective repair solution to minimise downtime and keep the construction project on schedule.
The Solution
To address these challenges, TSM collaborated with Sika to implement a comprehensive repair strategy. The approach included several critical steps:
- Breaking Out Defective Concrete: The first step involved carefully removing damaged sections of the concrete soffit. This process was essential to prepare the area for effective repair and ensure that only sound concrete was left in place.
- Grit Blasting: Once the defective concrete was removed, grit blasting was employed to clean the steel reinforcement. This step effectively removed contaminants such as rust and debris, ensuring optimal bonding for the subsequent repair materials.
- Installation of Galvanic Sacrificial XP Anodes: To protect against future corrosion, TSM installed galvanic sacrificial XP anodes within the repaired soffit. These anodes provide ongoing protection by sacrificing themselves to protect the steel reinforcement from corrosion.
- Priming the Steel Reinforcement: Sika 610 reinforcement primer was applied to enhance adhesion and durability. This primer prepared the surface for the concrete repair mortar, ensuring a strong bond that would withstand environmental stresses.
- Carrying Out Repairs: For the actual restoration, TSM utilised Sika Monotop 4012 low-carbon concrete repair mortar. This specialised mortar was selected for its effectiveness in restoring the structural integrity of the soffit while also being environmentally friendly.
Project Management Excellence
TSM’s project management team ensured that every aspect of the repair process was executed efficiently and effectively. By coordinating closely with the contractor and adhering to strict timelines, TSM was able to minimise disruption to the overall construction project. Regular updates and communication with stakeholders ensured that all parties were informed throughout the process.
Quality Assurance and Safety
Safety was a top priority throughout the project. TSM implemented rigorous quality assurance protocols to ensure that all repairs met industry standards and regulatory requirements. The team also adhered to safety guidelines to protect both workers and the surrounding environment during the repair process.
