Some aspects of evaluating cracking sensitivity of repair materials

Title: Some aspects of evaluating cracking sensitivity of repair materials
Author(s): A.M. Vaysburd, P.H. Emmons, B. Bissonnette, M. Pigeon
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on Early Age Cracking in Cementitious Systems
Editor(s): K. Kovler and A. Bentur
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-29-2
e-ISBN: 2351580362
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2003
Pages: 169 - 185
Total Pages: 17
Nb references: 20
Language: English

Abstract: The most serious deterioration processes that lead to repair failures are caused by cracking of the repair material. Restrained contraction of repair materials, the restraint being provided through bond to the existing concrete substrate, is a major factor leading to cracking and failure of the repair.

The safety and durability of the repaired structures cannot be realized without a comprehensive knowledge of the material’s properties that determine its deformational characteristics and, therefore, its capability to resist cracking. Material manufacturers tend to use different tests and standards to evaluate the performance of their products. Many standard tests used are modified arbitrarily, some modifications are deficient or providing unrealistic results. This situation has resulted in controversy and confusion in the selection and specification of repair materials. Variations of the test methods including size of the specimens, restraint conditions, curing, time of initial readings, temperature and relative humidity limitations, and test duration further complicate the interpretation of comparative results and properties indicated in manufacturer’s data sheets.

This paper presents analysis of the existing test methods for volume changes of cementitious materials and also discusses new methods. It reviews the ongoing research study in which one of the primary objectives is to develop an industry-wide reliable technique for evaluation of sensitivity to cracking of cement-based materials.

Online publication: 2010-06-02
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00