Concrete Cancer Brisbane - BPQ Construction

Gold Coast

Concrete Cancer

Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Defending Against Concrete Cancer

Concrete cancer, also known as spalling concrete, results from the corrosion of steel reinforcement within concrete. This corrosion occurs due to factors such as alkaline degradation, weathering, and environmental stressors. As cracks develop and water penetrates, corrosion accelerates, leading to structural damage. Understanding the causes and implementing protective measures are crucial in preventing and repairing concrete cancer.

The alkali–silica reaction, also commonly known as concrete cancer, is a deleterious internal swelling reaction that occurs over time in concrete between the highly alkaline cement paste and the reactive amorphous silica found in many common aggregates, given sufficient moisture.

Concrete Cancer

Understanding the Degradation Process

“Spalling Concrete” or “Concrete Cancer”, as it is sometimes referred to, is caused by the corrosion of the steel reinforcement within concrete. This occurs by one of the following procedures.

Alkaline State

When the concrete mix is placed it is in an alkaline state. This is the chemical state of the concrete which acts to protect the steel reinforcement against corrosion. Through weathering and a process called “carbonation” and/or “chloride ion” attack, the alkaline protection diminishes.

Building Movement

Due to minor building movement, or shrinkage of the concrete when curing, or a breakdown of protective paint coatings, or minimal concrete coverage over the steel, or a severe environment. Cracking of the concrete can occur or natural chemical degradation due to carbonation and chloride ion ingress can occur.

Carbonation

The effects of carbonation (resulting in chemical changes to the concrete) and the cracks, (which are at times microscopic) allow water and air to reach the reinforcing bars where corrosion or rusting occurs. The product of the corrosion process, rust (ferrous oxide), has volume eight times the original steel volume.

The Passivating Layer

Whilst the concrete remains highly alkaline this process is resisted by the passivating layer that occurs on the steel when in contact with a highly alkaline product. The passivating layer is likened to anodising of aluminium where a strongly bonded corrosion product on the steel protects the steel from damage whilst in an alkaline environment.

Increase in Volume

The increase in volume exerts considerable forces on the surrounding concrete and, as the concrete is weak in tension, it breaks away.

Concrete Breaks Away

As the concrete breaks away, it exposes more of the reinforcing steel to the elements, and hence, accelerates the deterioration process. Although only a small amount of damage or corrosion is first visible, the extent of the corrosion continues along the reinforcing bar and therefore, a lot of the area that requires repair is not visible.

As can be seen, the more damage that occurs, the faster the deterioration, hence the name, “concrete cancer”. Unless treated correctly and thoroughly, the problem extends at a more rapid rate.

Protecting and Repairing Your Structures

Repair Methods

The repair of spalling concrete in general, involves removing the loose concrete until clean non-corroded steel can be reached. Once the steel bar is exposed, the corrosion is removed then the steel treated with a protective coating. At completion, the affected concrete is patched using specialist mortars. As previously mentioned, concrete spalling occurs when the outside of the concrete is unprotected and exposed to the weather elements. This allows the cancer process to start. Therefore, in order to prevent or reduce future concrete spalling to the building once the repairs are complete, it is recommended that all of the external concrete surfaces have a protective coating applied.