The Repair & Refurbishment of Reinforced Concrete Buildings & Structures

The global cost of corrosion is estimated at US$2.5 trillion, equivalent to 3.4% of global GDP. It is also estimated that the repair and rehabilitation of structures account for approximately 50% of construction budgets in most developed countries. The repair of reinforced concrete structures represents a significant proportion of these costs, making it a major global industry. Regular, planned asset maintenance is vital for reinforced concrete structures. As our understanding of corrosion grows—and as we become more aware of why concrete spalls, what causes the problems, and how to repair them—it is essential that clients, consultants, and surveyors understand the processes involved.

The presentation, The Repair and Refurbishment of Reinforced Concrete Buildings and Structures, covers the latest British Standard, BS EN 1504 – Products and Systems for the Protection and Repair of Concrete Structures (mandatory on all contracts using public funds). It details the components of a thorough investigation and condition survey, explaining the advantages of conducting one before selecting a repair methodology. The presentation also discusses the pros and cons of various concrete repair methods, explains corrosion prevention and its applications, and outlines what should be included in contract documents, including specifications, schedules of quantities, and constraints.