Global building product manufacturer,
Sika, in conjunction with Vector Corrosion Technologies has launched an
investigation methods service to determine the root cause of corrosion within
reinforced concrete.
The expert assessment can not only identify
debilitating elements in buildings and infrastructure before visible damage
occurs, it also helps inform the best course of action to take to avoid future
corrosion and prolong the life of the structure.
Mark Shaw, Technical Manager at Sika, said:
“In order to protect and prolong the life of a building, early corrosion
diagnosis is vital. Our investigation service offers a reliable test as to how a
building is reacting to its surrounding environment.
“It assesses the overall state of the
concrete and helps determine the type of remedial action – if any – is required.
The service is an extension of Sika’s Total Corrosion Management solution that
offers the best principles and methods of concrete repair and protection in
accordance with EN 1504.”
BS EN 1504 Standards stipulate a survey and
interpretation of results is a prerequisite prior to work starting on concrete
repair projects. There are many tools and methods to test the rate of corrosion,
its source and the effect on the concrete.
Investigation methods carried out during
Sika’s concrete assessment service include a visual survey of corrosion damage;
dust sample analysis for chloride content; cover meter readings; carbonation;
steel half-cell mapping; steel continuity; steel corrosion-rate mapping, and
concrete resistivity mapping.
Mark Shaw added: “A concrete conditioning
survey can help identify a potential problem before it takes hold, tying-in with
the well-known saying, ‘prevention is better than cure’. The good news is, with
the launch of our investigation service, alongside our existing Total Corrosion
Management System, Sika has the means to provide the prevention and a long-term
cure.”
To ensure the right concrete management
corrosion system is specified for the repair and protection of your building,
contact our investigation team on 01707 394 444. They will work with you to
develop a full-site survey scheme and provide an analysis of results which will
determine the best course of preventive action to take.
