This manual deals primarily with evaluation and repair of
concrete structures; however, a basic understanding of
underlying causes of concrete deficiencies is essential to
performing meaningful evaluations and successful repairs.
If the cause of a deficiency is understood, it is much more
likely that the correct repair method will be selected and
that, consequently, the repair will be successful. Symptoms
or observations of a deficiency must be differentiated
from the actual cause of the deficiency, and it is
imperative that causes and not symptoms be addressed in
repairs. For example, cracking is a symptom of distress
that may have a variety of causes. Selection of the correct
repair technique for cracking depends upon knowing whether the cracking is caused by repeated freezing and
thawing of the concrete, accidental loading, or some other
cause. Only after the cause or causes are known can
rational decisions be made concerning the selection of a
proper method of repair and in determining how to avoid
a repetition of the circumstances that led to the problem.
The following general procedure should be followed for
evaluating the condition and correcting the deficiencies of
the concrete in a structure: