The strength of reinforced members is in general little affected by the presence of fine cracks of such a width that can be closed by "stopping" and painting. Oil paints, cement paints and water paints (distemper) can be applied. Wider cracks should be filled in with grout consisting of 1 part of cement and 112 to 1 part of fine sand. The crack is sealed at the surface with cement paint or grout of stiff consistency applied with a brush, leaving opening at selected points for the liquid grout to be injected into the crack. Should the crack extent through the member it is sealed at the rear face in a similar manner. The openings spaced along the crack here acting as vents to allow any entrapped air to escape the filling operation. Such sealing prevents further deterioration through penetration of moisture.
Cracks in water retaining structures can be filled with hemp or jute fibers impregnated with bitumen which are pressed into the cracks and then sealed with bitumen.
Bulges and ridges due to form can be removed by carefully chipping and then rubbing with the grinding stone. Small patches can be filled in with cement mortar similar to that used in concrete.
No comments:
Post a Comment