Concrete Cancer
To add strength to concrete where the concrete structure will need to endure a lot of stress, steel mesh or rod reinforcement is generally used. In some situations, whether is be faultily produced steel or other factors, the steel eventually rust. When rusting begins, the steel expands in a process called "spalling" or concrete cancer.
Some steel that is close to the surface and/or isn't sufficiently shielded from rainwater, or from underground water or excessive humidity is particularly vulnerable to the start of corrosion. The corrosion, if left untreated can spread deeper into the structure.
The expansion of the steel in the rusting processing puts pressure on the surrounding concrete and can cause it to delaminate and weaken. As it crumbles and leaves gaps, the concrete cancer can substantially weaken the structural member.
Somewhat like biological cancer, concrete cancer can best be corrected if discovered and treated early, before substantial weakening has occurred. The loose concrete has to be removed from the substrate to allow access to the corroded steel. The parts of the steel that are corroded can then be removed and replaced. Depending on site conditions and stress requirements, the repair is then completed by replacing the concrete substrate via one of several methods.
Once the concrete cancer has been cured, the surface area is restored to make it appear just as it did before the repair.
Progressive Remedial Inc. of Sydney is a leader in Australia in a variety of remedial construction. Whether it be plumbing system repair and replacement, water intrusion correction, concrete cancer repairs and concrete waterproofing, correction of the specific condition of concrete cancer or house waterproofing, Progressive is the source of choice.