deficiency should be determined. Because many deficiencies
are caused by more than one mechanism, a basic understanding
of the causes of concrete deterioration is essential to
determine what has actually happened to a particular concrete
structure and why. Only after the evaluation is complete can a
suitable remedial action plan be developed, repair materials
selected, and drawings and specifications prepared.
1.3.3 Selecting repair methods and materials—After the
cause or causes of the damage or deterioration have been
determined, appropriate repair materials and methods can be
selected considering the following recommendations.
1.3.3.1—The engineer can incorporate adjustments or
required modifications to remedy the cause of the deterioration,
such as changing the water drainage pattern, eliminating
sources of cavitation damage, providing for differential
movements, or eliminating exposure to deleterious substances.
The engineer should have a thorough understanding of factors
affecting the durability of concrete and the causes of different
types of cracking (ACI 201.2R, ACI 222R, and ACI 224.1R).
It is not always possible to correct causes of deterioration; for
example, it may not be possible to change the environment
with which the concrete is exposed. In such cases, every
reasonable effort should be made to mitigate the problem.
1.3.3.2—The engineer should consider outside constraints,
such as limited access to the structure; the operating schedule
of the structure; any limitations imposed by the owner of the
structure, including the cost; the required useful life of the
repaired structure; and the weather implications.
or construction. Only after the cause or causes of deficiency
are determined can rational decisions be made regarding the
selection of a proper repair system and the implementation
of the repair process (Fig. 1.1).