Repair of Popcorning Spalling Slab
Repair of Popcorning Spalling Slab
(OP)
I am working on the renovation of a building that is structural steel frame with cast-in-place concrete slab. The building was built in the 1920s. The concrete slab mix must have been quite poor as the appearance is almost of popcorn or "fireproofing" slab in nature.
Needless to say, the slab is spalling and falling out in popcorn like chunks. Some areas the WWF is exposed, perhaps due to inadequate cover but most likely due to just the poor concrete mix. There is no sign of rust on the WWF.
I am thinking that in the areas that are particularly bad I should specify a thin layer of grout? Any tips or references I should look into?
Should I recommend a section be tested for compressive strength?
Needless to say, the slab is spalling and falling out in popcorn like chunks. Some areas the WWF is exposed, perhaps due to inadequate cover but most likely due to just the poor concrete mix. There is no sign of rust on the WWF.
I am thinking that in the areas that are particularly bad I should specify a thin layer of grout? Any tips or references I should look into?
Should I recommend a section be tested for compressive strength?
RE: Repair of Popcorning Spalling Slab
But what to do? I'd call you local Sika representative. They have a lot of repair materials for this type of situation. Grout would probably work, but it might not adhere and then you've wasted all that effort. Thin layers of material can be tricky to put in, so invest the money in a speciality repair.
RE: Repair of Popcorning Spalling Slab
Have a petrographic examination done on the concrete to characterize it.
If you have ASR, then putting a topping on it won't help.
RE: Repair of Popcorning Spalling Slab
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Repair of Popcorning Spalling Slab
Mike the slab internal.