BPQ Concrete Cancer Gold Coast

“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.

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. 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.

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

f. 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.

Repair Method

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.

Contact BPQ Construction for a quote or further information