Concrete is a relatively easy material to manage. However, you can run into huge problems if it is not worked on properly. Concrete problems vary but could include discolorations, shrinkage, scaling, and various other problems. Here are some common concrete problems to look out for and a guide on how to solve them.
01
Discoloration
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Concrete should be of one color if you are using the correct batch and materials from the Ready Mix. However, concrete discoloration could occur if there are sudden changes to the cement material, if the finishing operations are rushed or if calcium chloride is added. All concrete ingredients must comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
How to solve concrete discoloration:
Specify with the ready-mix supplier your tolerance levels
Prepare a uniform subgrade
Wait until all the water has evaporated before finishing the concrete
Avoid hard troweling on the exterior surface
02
Scaling
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Another common concrete problem is scaling. Scaling occurs when the concrete surface breaks off and keeps peeling away. Scaling could also occur if non-air entrained concrete is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles, inadequate concrete strength, or inadequate curing procedure.
How can concrete scaling be avoided:
Use a low slump-air (6 to 7 percent) in the entrained mix
Wait till water has been evaporated from the surface
Do not use salt or other chemicals during the winter season
03
Crazing
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One of the most repeated problems in concrete is crazing. Crazing occurs when the surface shows several interconnected fine cracks or when the cement paste comes up to the surface and shrinks. Although the concrete strength probably is not affected, cracks will show up when the slab is damp.
How to avoid crazed concrete:
Cure the concrete in a timely manner
Use a moderate slump concrete without bleeding and segregation
Do not finish concrete until all water has evaporated
Do not dust dry cement on the surface while water is present
Do not sprinkle water over the concrete while finishing it
If the weather could produce high evaporation rates, spray some water onto the subgrade, so it will not absorb the water from the concrete mix
04
Cracking
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Concrete can crack easily. It's unpreventable, however, it can be controlled. This is one of the main problems when constructing with concrete. Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of factors, such as drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, subgrade settlement, and applied loads. In the case of a wall, if a crack is not structural, or not too wide ( the acceptable crack width is subjective but it could range from 1/16” to 1/4”), or isn't leaking water, it should be considered acceptable.
How to reduce cracking of concrete:
Remove topsoil, soft spots and organic material in the subgrade
Minimize the mix water content by maximizing the size and amount of coarse aggregate and use low-shrinkage aggregate
05
Curling
Concrete curling occurs when there is a difference in both temperature and moisture of the top and bottom surface. When curling occurs, the slab of the surface becomes unsupported from the base.