Performance Evaluation of Concrete Structures Using Crack Repair Methods

Abstract

Concrete structures deteriorate over time due to cracks induced by various physical, chemical, and environmental factors. This performance degradation not only reduces their service life but may lead to human casualties and other property damage as well. While concrete crack repair can help address this problem, the implementation of the optimal repair method is important according to the environmental conditions. In this study, epoxy, impregnating, and epoxy/impregnating methods were used to repair concrete cracks. Epoxy was used for crack injection, and a supernatant was used for surface protection. The epoxy/impregnating method was used to protect both cracked areas and surfaces. Activated cracks were induced using flexural strength tests, and the stiffness of the specimens according to the repair method was compared to examine the structural performance. In addition, after the flexural strength tests, the strength, carbonation, chloride, and freeze–thaw durability were evaluated for the concrete core specimens. The impregnating method yielded the best repair performance for strength, epoxy/impregnating method for carbonation, epoxy and epoxy/impregnating methods for chloride, and epoxy/impregnating method for freezing and thawing. The results of our study enable selection of the optimal repair method to be used in practical applications based on physical, chemical, and environmental factors.