× Europe H2020

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 760858

Problems / Pathologies

Common problems found in concrete monuments

Reinforced concrete was the material of choice for many architects of the modern era, and they exploited the material in a multitude of creative and innovative ways. Many of the modern era's most extraordinary structures demonstrate the potential of reinforced concrete and illustrate the material's rapid evolution over the twentieth century. Like many modern materials, reinforced concrete has raised new and distinct conservation challenges. These issues relate to the lack of appropriate techniques and materials to meet conservation needs, the current lack of knowledge on the efficacy and durability of existing repair solutions, the shortage of training opportunities, and the lack of technical and guidance resources available to professionals.

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Shrinkage

Physical Damage

Concrete may suffer from decay due to uncontrolled restrained shrinkage. Shrinkage is a chemical-physical phenomenon that always exist in cement based material and start from early age (actually some sort of shrinkage occurs when the cement has not yet hardened) until very late in the age of the structure.

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Freeze and thaw

Physical Damage

This is mainly occurring in countries or areas subjected to harsh winter conditions and it is very often accentuated by the presence of de-icing salts used in the bridge to reduce incidence due the frost formation on the road. This is due to improper design of the concrete that does not contain enough properly dispersed air network that provide enough space for the water to expand when freezing.

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Decay due to other origins

Physical Damage

Many other origins may be the causes of concrete decay such as for a bridge structure, accidental chock from a vehicle, abrasion, erosion in bridges over rivers, etc…