Abstract
M.Ing.
It is generally accepted that successful concrete repair is dependent on seven steps. All seven
steps of the concrete repair process were investigated in depth. From the seven steps, three of
the steps (removal, application and curing) were selected for experimental investigation.
Firstly, the removal of damaged concrete was simulated under laboratory conditions.
Concrete blocks were prepared through different removal techniques. Repair material was
placed on the blocks, and the adhesion between the concrete repair material and the concrete
substrate was determined. Secondly, different repair mortar application methods were used,
and the effect of application methods on adhesion strengths was determined. Thirdly, the
effect of curing on adhesion was determined by curing samples under different conditions.
Some in situ test repairs were done at RAU to get an indication of the appropriate repair
systems to be used on the RAU buildings. A questionnaire was given out to the industry and
analyzed to get an indication of the common practice used for concrete repair in South Africa.