Volume :

1

Issue :

1

Abstract :

The aim of this experimental work is to determine and investigate the cost effective and user friendly methods of repair with the application of synthetic epoxies and cement grout by injection in cracked concrete. For the performance evaluation of the epoxies used for cracks injection, three beams of appropriate dimensions were cast. After proper curing and hardening, each beam was loaded to a point where appreciable cracks, four to five moderate cracks having 3mm to 4mm width, running 3/4th of the depth of beam, appeared and was taken as a standard for comparison. The cracks were then sealed and filled with epoxies by pressure injection using chemicals of the two manufacturers and cement grout. The beams were again loaded till the cracks like the previous ones appeared and then each beam was loaded to its full capacity. The design load carrying capacities of the beams were also calculated for the purpose of comparison with the loads at which appreciable cracks developed before and after injection and with the full load carrying capacities of the beams. The results of the tests carried out on epoxies for crack injection indicated that epoxies for injection, are effective and the load carrying capacity can be completely or partially restored in case of minor to moderate damaged beams. For restoring the strength of minor to moderate damaged beams the use of grout is recommended because of its lesser cost as compared to epoxies.