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Concrete Works

From foundations to slabs — concrete designed, placed and cured properly.

Concrete is one of the most versatile building materials, used for foundations, slabs, columns, beams, pavements and precast elements. It gains strength through hydration over time. Quality depends on the right mix design, careful placement, full compaction and proper curing — get any of these wrong and you get cracks, weakness and reduced lifespan.

Common Damage

1. Cracking

  • Shrinkage cracks during initial drying
  • Structural cracks from load or movement
  • Settlement cracks from poor ground prep

2. Spalling & Surface Defects

  • Surface flakes off from freeze-thaw or corrosion
  • Dusting from poor finishing or curing
  • Honeycombing from poor compaction

3. Reinforcement Corrosion

  • Steel inside concrete rusts and expands
  • Cracks concrete and exposes rebar
  • Rust stains visible on the surface

4. Environmental Attack

  • Sulphate attack from groundwater
  • Freeze-thaw cycles in exposed concrete
  • Water penetration leading to internal damage

Repairs

minor Repairs

  • Crack filling with epoxy or sealants
  • Surface patching of small damaged areas
  • Apply protective coatings to stop further attack

moderate Repairs

  • Resurfacing worn or dusting slabs
  • Cut out and recast small structural sections
  • Treat and protect corroded reinforcement

major Repairs

  • Concrete jacketing to enlarge and strengthen members
  • Shotcrete (sprayed concrete) for structural strengthening
  • Cathodic protection systems to halt corrosion
  • FRP wrapping for columns and beams

New Installation

When Replacement Is Needed

  • New foundations, slabs, columns or beams
  • Pavements, driveways and external paving
  • Structural elements in extensions and new builds
  • Precast components for speed and quality

Installation Steps

  1. Mix Design & Formwork

    • Specify concrete grade for the application
    • Erect formwork to shape the pour
    • Brace formwork to resist concrete pressure
  2. Reinforcement

    • Cut and fix steel rebar to design
    • Maintain correct cover with spacers
    • Tie laps and stirrups securely
  3. Pour, Compact & Finish

    • Place concrete continuously to avoid cold joints
    • Vibrate to remove air voids
    • Float, trowel or texture the surface
  4. Curing & Striking

    • Keep concrete moist for 7+ days
    • Protect from frost, rain or rapid drying
    • Strike formwork only when strength allows

Lifespan

Reinforced Concrete Structure
60–100+ years
Concrete Slabs & Paving
30–60 years
Protective Coatings
10–20 years
Repaired Sections
30+ years if cause is fixed

Warning Signs

  • Visible cracks, especially wide or growing
  • Rust stains running down the surface
  • Hollow sound when tapped
  • Exposed reinforcement bars
  • Surface dusting or scaling

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