Concrete Modification, Protection and Repair

This chapter provides an introduction to concrete, how it varies, and why there is the need for polymeric modification, repair and protection technologies. The applications for which the essential chemistry and technology of various industrial polymeric solutions, and the fitness-for-purpose testing methods considered, are: Repair and restoration of concrete with thermoplastic polymer-modified cement bound concretes, mortars and screeds; Polymer concretes based on thermoset polymers which replace cement as binder for new construction and repair; Penetrating and membrane/film-forming sealers for the protection and improvement of hygiene and aesthetic appearance of concrete flooring; Synthetic resin flooring for concrete protection where long term physical and mechanical integrity retention is needed; Waterproofing, damp-proofing and tanking systems for concrete structures subject to rising damp, penetrating damp and water pressure; Waterproofing barriers applied on top of concrete, which is overlaid with a traffic surface. Containment coatings for concrete ponds, pools, basins, tanks secondary containment structures/bund walls; Repair, joining, filling gaps and voids in concrete construction, anchoring machinery bolts, machinery chocking and backing; Grouts for voids in concrete structures that expand and contract with temperature change, move during ground settlement/seismic tremors, and absorb vibration; Low viscosity resins or grouts injected into cracks, fissures or voids in concrete.