Reinforced concrete plays a crucial role in the stability of a building. But what happens when the reinforced concrete pillar develops cracks or gets damaged due to harsh weather? That’s when you need a reliable repair for the reinforced concrete structure. Besides harsh weather conditions in the UK, a lack of attention to detail by the workers during the construction may be a reason for its decay. However, as soon as you notice a crack or a damaged area in the concrete, you should take immediate measures to repair it. In this blog, we will discuss how to repair reinforced concrete structures in your building. Reasons for Reinforced Concrete Structures' Deterioration in the UK The main reason for the failure of the structural integrity of reinforced concrete might be the weather. The freeze-thaw cycle, where water seeps into the concrete crack, freezes, and expands, damaging the concrete structure. Additionally, heavy rainfall and damp weather are not ideal conditions for the health of the concrete. Moreover, at the time of casting the concrete, a lack of sufficient cover on the structure might lead to structural defects. A small crack at the time of concrete construction might lead to large-scale faults in the system. Signs That Your Concrete Structure Needs Repair You know that your reinforced concrete structure will need repair if you see a hairline crack on the surface, partial crumbling of the concrete, damp patches, or other signs. These things suggest that your reinforced concrete structure needs significant structural repairs. Besides, if you see the crumbling part of the reinforced concrete structure has exposed the reinforced bars, you know for sure that there is a serious issue with the structure. In such a case, the additional surrounding area of the structure should be discarded and repaired with new concrete materials. Common Types of Concrete Repairs In the UK, you will see some ordinary concrete repairing cases, including patch repairing, recasting, applying protective coating on the surface and others. a. Patch Repairs In case of minor defects on the reinforced concrete structure, a patch repair can be undertaken. In the event of a hairline crack, a small amount of concrete mix is applied to the crack to prevent further deterioration. b. Recasting or Sectional Replacements In the event of slight damage to the reinforced concrete structure, recasting may be necessary. To resolve such structural defects, recasting of a part of the concrete structure might be required. c. Crack Injection To repair the cracks on the reinforced concrete, epoxy resin and polyurethane chemical grout injection can be used. The primary difference between these two types of injection is that epoxy injection is more effective on a dry surface, whereas polyurethane injection performs well on a wet substrate.  The latter is more suitable for sealing a wet surface to stop an active leak. On the other hand, the epoxy injection is used in sealing off dry cracks in concrete. It offers excellent tensile strength. d. Surface Coatings and Sealants To protect the concrete structure from decay and the development of cracks, a protective coating is applied. Such coating works as a barrier against the moisture in the environment and also do not allow CO2 in the air to react with the concrete. Latest Repair Technologies Available in the UK As the construction industry becomes more technologically advanced, so do its activities. Let’s take a look at the latest technologies used in repairing reinforced concrete construction. a. Carbon Fibre Reinforcement (CFRP) To strengthen the concrete structure carbon fibre mixed with polymer matrix is used. The powerful carbon fibre is mixed with polymer resin and applied to a reinforced concrete structure. The polymer resin binds the carbon fibre together to increase the tensile strength of the concrete.  b. Hydrodemolition Techniques High-pressure water from a jet spray is used to remove concrete from the reinforced concrete structure. The hydrodemolition technique carefully removes concrete from a particular portion of the structure without damaging the reinforced concrete bars.The technique is ideal for repairing a damaged concrete structure without damaging the undamaged portion of the structure. How Professionals Repair Reinforced Concrete in the UK To repair a concrete structure, professionals inspect the damaged area of the concrete and attempt to determine the best repair method. Then the surface is prepared, and the repairing material is applied. Once the repairing materials are applied the curing of the concrete gets started. Once the concrete curing process is complete, the long-term maintenance of the concrete begins.  How to Choose a Trusted Concrete Repair Contractor in the UK You should always go for a local concrete repair contractor to repair the concrete structure of your building. A local contractor will understand the weather conditions of the area and common issues faced by other residents in the area. He will be able to guide your properly. Moreover, you can ask for local references for you to verify the contractor’s credibility and experience in the field. Ensure the contractor understands the nature of the concrete damage to apply the correct material for its repair. Next time you start reinforced concrete construction work, give us a call. With us handling your project, you won’t need a repair contractor for years. Conclusion A reinforced concrete structure can be durable, but it is also vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Additionally, poor construction methods are another reason for damaged reinforced concrete. So, always rely on professional expertise when constructing a reinforced concrete structure for your residential and professional use....

Reinforced concrete construction is crucial to the overall stability of a building. Reinforced concrete is often used in building foundations, columns, and beam construction. So, you must know how to complete the construction process without making mistakes. Properly constructed reinforced concrete improves a building's security, safety, and longevity. Otherwise, a faulty building structure will create safety issues and increase the overall cost of construction and bring legal issues as well. So, in this blog, we will see some common mistakes that a concrete contractor might make while constructing a reinforced concrete structure. Summary of Common Mistakes and Their Impact Common Mistakes Reason Impact Prevention Strategy Wrong placement of reinforced structure Lack of expertise and poor supervision during construction Weak reinforced structure with cracks Proper inspection and skilled labourers Inadequate curing Lack of curing time, poor planning Poor structure with the possibility of cracking under pressure Proper planning with the required time for curing Wrong concrete mix ratio Saving the cost of construction, an inexperienced contractor Low structural strength, issues with durability Go with a lab-tested concrete mix Poorly set up formwork Lack of experience in formwork setup Structural failure during construction Employ only an experienced and skilled workforce Lack of attention to joint sections Fault during design, or formwork set-up Leakage, structural failure Proper attention to the joint section Section-by-Section Breakdown of Mistakes A. Mistake #1: Wrong placement of reinforced structure If you have hired a contractor who does not have much experience in reinforced concrete construction, then it would be a disaster for you. He may wrongly place rebars in the structure, or use rebars of incorrect diameter. A poorly built rebar structure will lead to structural failure and put you at risk. Hire an experienced contractor who knows which type of rebar should be used in a particular situation. Contact Reinforced Concrete Contractors for better service and assured quality of your product. B. Mistake #2: Inadequate Curing A reinforced concrete structure needs time for curing and to become strong. It is only a matter of time before it becomes fully sturdy and able to carry the load of the building. However, if you do not keep it moist and allow it the necessary time for curing, it might break under pressure.  To avoid the problem, give it the time it needs for curing, and keep it always moist. You can use burlap for concrete curing to keep moisture within the concrete. Besides, the workers employed in the construction must know the importance of concrete curing. C. Mistake #3: Wrong concrete mix ratio The building you are planning to build must have a strong reinforced foundation. Stronger reinforced concrete is needed for better load-carrying capacity. If you deviate from the designed mix ratio of cement, water, and aggregate, you might lose the required strength of the concrete. You need to adhere to the lab-approved water-cement-aggregate ratio for your building. An expert contractor can also help you build a strong reinforced concrete structure. D. Mistake #4: Poorly set up formwork You need a properly built formwork structure to keep reinforced concrete in place. If your contractor does not build a solid formwork that can carry the concrete load, it may collapse during construction. Even if it does not collapse, liquid concrete may leak and be wasted. The best way to prevent is to hire a professional formwork contractor to build a strong formwork before you cast the reinforced concrete. Besides, the formwork must be inspected thoroughly before the construction process starts. E. Mistake #5: Poor Joint Detailing If the contractor and the workers involved in the work do not adequately treat reinforced concrete joints, it may lead to a poor structure. If the joints are not properly made, it will not be able to carry the loads of the building.  Sometimes, cold joints need to be roughened up for better bonding with the new concrete. This helps strengthen the bonding and avoid structural failure. Expert Tips to Remember Always verify the experience of the contractor you hire for the construction work. Also, the workers should be made sure that they have proper knowledge of the job they are involved in. They must have adequate knowledge of the reinforced work that has been done. Besides, check the formwork structure and the suitable concrete mix for your building. Conclusion To avoid some common mistakes, such as poor structure placement, wrong concrete mix or poor setup of formwork structure, hire an experienced contractor like Reinforced Concrete Contractors. With proper planning and expertise in the field, a strong and suitable reinforced concrete construction is possible.  ...

You have just built the new reinforced concrete structure and see a fine line crack. Or, the walls of your house show a long line of cracks within years of its construction. Yes, it might be heartbreaking, but don't worry; we are here to guide you. After this, you'll know how to control the cracks in your building. However, to control the disease, you should know what causes cracks to develop on the walls. Here, we'll start our discussion with the causes of cracks in the wall. Later, we'll also focus on the types of cracks and your repair options. Section 1: Why Cracks Occur in Reinforced Concrete Cracks may develop in reinforced concrete for several reasons. Some common reasons are expansion and contraction due to temperature differences. Loss of water from concrete during curing Overloading Use of low-quality concrete mix After you build the reinforced concrete structure, it can expand under high temperatures or contract due to low temperatures. The structure's continuous expansion and contraction may lead to cracks in it. However, if you see cracks developing on the enforced concrete at the beginning after the construction process, water loss may be the reason. If the structure loses water faster than usual during its curing, cracks might develop due to negative capillary pressure. Otherwise, continuous overloading of the structure might also cause cracks. For example, the reinforced concrete beams you have constructed for your building might have a lower load-carrying capacity than required. In that case, you may see the structure cracking under heavy pressure. Finally, suppose you have employed inexperienced reinforced concrete contractors who do not know the right proportion of cement, water, aggregate, and other additives. In that case, the result might be a poorly constructed reinforced concrete structure. Seeing cracks in the building structure would not be unnatural. Section 2: Types of Cracks and Their Implications Your building may develop cracks right after construction or later. Read on to learn about different types of cracks and their implications for the structure. Hairline surface cracks These types of cracks are not dangerous to the building. It is often considered a normal part of the concrete structure and sometimes so thin that you cannot even recognise it with bare eyes. However, it may compromise the aesthetics of your building. Structural cracks It is that type of crack that you need to take seriously. Structural cracks developed due to the structural failure of the building. It may develop due to increasing pressure on the building structure. Plastic shrinkage cracks If the reinforced concrete structure loses water in a large volume soon after its construction, it may develop cracks. These types of cracks are named because they develop during the plastic stage of the concrete. You must ensure that the structure has sufficient water during its curing process. Settlement cracks After the construction, the structural stability of the building might not remain the same as in the beginning. The layer of soil underneath the foundation might weaken - meaning it loses its load-carrying capacity. The part of the building just right above the settled ground starts to shrink; downward cracks develop, and tension is highest. Section 3: Techniques for Crack Control in Reinforced Concrete To protect the reinforced concrete structure of your building from developing cracks, you might keep some essential things in mind. Firstly, properly position rebars and mesh the reinforced concrete poles or beams. An adequately positioned beam can carry the structural load. This will lower the tension on the beams, reducing the chance of developing cracks. Secondly, the water, cement, and additives are supposed to be mixed in the right proportion while the reinforced concrete is being built. The load-carrying capacity of the reinforced concrete depends on the proportion of concrete elements and rebar used. The structure's construction depends on its size and load-carrying requirement. Section 4: Repairing Cracks – What Are Your Options? The best way to deal with cracks in reinforced concrete structures is to plan for starting the work. The focus should be on reducing cracks in the new building structure. Proper inspection of the site is also necessary. However, if you want a solution to stop the cracks from further developing on the structure, you can use crack injection. It fills the gap in the crack and blocks the passage to enter water, causing structural damage. Conclusion You can safeguard your property from developing cracks with proper planning. Choose a perfect mix of concrete that can carry the building loads. On the other hand, the cracks that develop in the building might worsen if you don't take care of them initially. If you are looking for a reliable reinforced concrete contractor, contact us. We offer services as you demand....

If you ask which part of a building must be the strongest and most stable, the answer will be its foundation. A strong foundation plays a crucial role in a building's stability. A reinforced concrete foundation stabilises the building and protects it from possible seismic activities. It also transfers the building load evenly to the ground and ensures the longevity of the building structure. In the present discussion, we will walk you through the benefits of reinforced concrete foundations. What is a Reinforced Concrete Foundation? It is a foundational structure made of concrete and reinforced steel rods. Using reinforced steel bars increases the tensile strength of the foundation, so when soil movement occurs, the foundation is strong enough to protect the building from possible harm. Steel bars expand and contract at different temperatures and pressures, making them suitable for building foundations. They can sustain heavy loads on the superstructure and keep it safe under extreme external forces. You can use a variety of reinforced concrete foundations, including reinforced concrete slabs, rafts, piles and others. Unmatched Strength of Reinforced Concrete Reinforced concrete is stronger than any other type of concrete foundation structure. Let's focus on some of the key points of reinforced concrete foundations. Extreme Compressive Strength. Reinforcing Steel rods into the concrete foundation increases its load-bearing capacity. The increased compressive strength of the foundation allows it to withstand heavy loads and not crack under pressure. Superior Tensile Strength Reinforced concrete has excellent tensile strength and does not break under pressure. Even when the concrete foundation feels the pressure, it does not break or develop cracks. Ability to carry Heavy Structural Loads Due to its high tensile strength and ability to withstand shear forces, reinforced concrete foundations are used in industrial and high-rise buildings. A strong foundation structure helps to carry heavy loads of industrial or high-rise buildings. Long-Term Performance If you use a reinforced concrete foundation for your building, it will continue to provide foundation support for the long term. Due to extreme strength and capability to withstand external forces, reinforced concrete foundation goes a long way. Durability Benefits of Reinforced Concrete A reinforced concrete foundation is highly durable under extreme conditions. It can withstand extreme weather, fire, and corrosion over time. Weather Resistance Reinforced concrete foundations are excellently resistant to temperature, humidity, and rain. As a result, they do not allow extreme weather to undermine their structural integrity. Fire Resistance Reinforced concrete foundations do not catch fire, which makes them an excellent choice for industrial buildings. You can also use it in residential buildings to make it safer from fire. Pest & Rot Resistance Reinforced concrete does not attract pest rot like wooden structures. This is one of the excellent features of reinforced concrete foundations, making it suitable for external usage. Corrosion Protection If the ratio of concrete and water is appropriate, the structure can also be corrosion-free. The concrete layer protects reinforced bars and increases their lifespan. Longevity and Low Maintenance The reinforced concrete foundation is popular among contractors for many reasons. One of them is its extended lifespan. If properly constructed, reinforced concrete structures can last 90 to 100 years. The structure also demands minimal maintenance and repair throughout its total lifespan. Unlike wooden or brick structures, reinforced concrete foundations do not require frequent maintenance. Because they don't require frequent maintenance, they become cost-effective in the long term. Thus, they have become popular among construction contractors as a foundation structure. Environmental and Structural Safety As mentioned above, a reinforced concrete foundation is an excellent choice for protecting your building from extreme weather. It is also used in areas with high seismic activity to prevent buildings from collapsing. The reinforced concrete foundation has high tensile strength, which helps to protect the building from collapsing in an earthquake. Even in a flood, the structural integrity of reinforced concrete foundations remains intact. So you can be sure the building will not collapse due to heavy floods and water clogging. Conclusion In conclusion, a reinforced concrete foundation is known for its strength, durability, and longevity under extreme conditions. It carries the load of the superstructure into the ground and protects it from extreme weather conditions like earthquakes, rain, and floods. Although the initial cost of a reinforced concrete foundation may be high, it is the best option for the long term. One reason is that it does not require maintenance. Another is that if not damaged, it can be sustained for over 100 years. Contact Reinforced Concrete Contractors today to build a reinforced foundation for your residential or commercial building....

Formwork is a temporary structure or mould that casts liquid concrete into a solid structure. It plays a crucial role in building strong concrete structures in construction work. The transition of formwork from wood pieces to steel, aluminium, and plastic changes the scenario in construction. Materials like aluminium and steel offer more sustainability and durability of the structure. They also help reduce the cost of construction. Timber-Based Formwork Solutions in Past Days Let's see how timber-based formwork solutions gradually evolved. Timber as the First Material From the early days of civilisation, timber has been used in construction as a support structure. In ancient culture, for example, Romans and Greeks built houses using timber. Its affordability and flexibility made it the first material for supporting structures. However, one of its downsides is its lack of durability. Handcrafted Formwork Techniques Roman civilisation was known for using the first formwork in construction. Ancient Roman buildings like the Pantheon and the Colosseum were built using timber formwork. Timber formwork was readily available and flexible, which was one factor in ancient civilisations' choosing timber as a material for formwork. So, you can understand how people were fond of design and quality back then. Transition to Steel and Aluminum and Benefits Later, after the discovery of steel and aluminium, people shifted towards these materials, and they became a popular choice for construction formwork. Transition to Steel One of the main reasons for replacing timber with steel formwork was its durability, strength and sustainability. Steel formwork is comparatively more substantial and more durable than timber. Besides, you can precisely shape a steel formwork component. The precision of steel formwork adds aesthetic value to the concrete structure. It results in a smooth and well-finished surface. Aluminium: Lightweight and Efficient On the other hand, contractors now use aluminium formwork solutions to improve the ease of building construction. A Canadian engineer, J.W. Malone, developed an aluminium formwork system in the 70s. It revolutionised the construction industry. An aluminium formwork system is more lightweight than steel. So, you can use aluminium formwork to construct your high-rise building. Innovations in Formwork Technology in the Present Era Let's discuss how modern innovation trends in the development of formwork solutions have shaped its adoption in construction. Precast and Modular Formwork The rise of precast concrete in modern construction work is evident. Modular formwork is also a trend. The primary reason for using a modular formwork system is that it requires less time to assemble and install. Besides, contractors don't need to purchase the system; they can hire it for a particular project. Plastics and Composite Materials Now, you can also see the development of plastic materials to be used as a formwork solution. The main reason for using plastic is that it's lightweight and cost-effective. You can quickly assemble and de-mould plastic formwork solutions. Automated and Digital Formwork Solutions 3D printing technology brings innovation and autistic design to formwork solutions. Formwork contractors and architects use 3D-printed formwork solutions to give concrete elements in a building a unique look. So, you have the opportunity to implement complex design to increase the attractiveness of a building. Sustainable Formwork Solutions Increasing awareness about sustainability has also influenced practices in the construction industry. Formwork contractors have adopted sustainable approaches to building formwork solutions. Recycled and Eco-Friendly Formwork Materials The use of recycled plastic materials has become a common practice in the creation of formwork solutions. Reducing plastic waste is a positive approach to sustainability, and formwork contractors have now developed formwork panels that can be used multiple times in multiple projects. Reducing Construction Waste Using durable formwork solutions to implement sustainable practices in the formwork installation and construction industry is important. Formwork contractors must reduce waste and reuse old materials. For example, using plywood and Timber might not be beneficial in adopting a sustainable practice. The main reason is that these materials cannot be used for long. After a few uses, plywood and other wood materials will turn into waste. Conclusion The evolution and transformation of construction formwork solutions are fascinating. Considering the first usage of formwork in Roman civilisation, you understand how important it is in constructing large buildings. Modern constructors have adopted sustainable practices by utilising more durable formwork solutions like aluminium and steel. Besides, 3D printing technology has revolutionised formwork construction, improving a building's aesthetics. Reinforced Concrete Contractors is a reliable name in the construction industry. Contact us today for various services, such as formwork and reinforced concrete construction....