Concrete Comeback: A Guide To Repairing Cracked Concrete

Concrete is a very strong and robust material that is widely used in the construction industry because of it’s strength and durability and is a popular choice for various applications. However, similar to any other material, concrete is susceptible to the passage of time, and as the years go by, it might undergo deterioration due to several factors, such as weather damage, water damage, voids, chemicals and ground settlement. These can all lead to cracks and breakage in the concrete. This is where resin injection repair comes in. Continue reading to learn about the step-by-step methods used to effectively fix cracked concrete and explore the benefits of resin injection, 

Resin injection repair is a method of concrete repair involves the use of a specialised grout substance, which is injected into cracks or voids within the concrete structure. The grout is typically a resin-based material that is designed to not only repair and seal the damaged sections but also bond with the existing concrete, effectively filling the gaps and reinforcing and stabilising the concrete, restoring the integrity of the structure and preventing further damage.  The injection process is carefully controlled to ensure that the grout penetrates deeply into the damaged areas, providing a comprehensive seal and reinforcing the concrete against future stress and environmental factors. Resin injection pumps inject resin directly from a container into various applications, including construction, concrete repair, and waterproofing.

You can operate resin injection pumps by hand, electrically, or with air. Resin injection is a method employed to repair and strengthen concrete and masonry structures by injecting a liquid resin into cracks, voids, and other damaged areas. It serves multiple purposes, such as waterproofing and structural repair. Resin injection is a clean, quick and efficient technique applicable to both new and existing structures. It is typically finished within a day or two, allowing you to remain in your home during the process. Resin injection repairs then last for years if done correctly, it is not something that has to be done often.

Benefits of Resin Injection:

1.Durability : A key benefit of resin injection is its capacity to offer a lasting repair for concrete structures. The robust properties of resins guarantee a durable solution, minimising the necessity for repeated repairs.

2. Versatility : Resin injection is a flexible method used in various construction situations. From restoring current infrastructure to building something new and everything in between, the versatility of this approach makes it a favoured option for construction managers.

3. Precision and Efficiency : The resin injection process enables accurate targeting of specific areas requiring repair. This focused method improves efficiency, reduces material waste, and maximises the effectiveness of the repair process.

Curious about how to fix cracked concrete? Keep reading to discover more...

Step 1: To fill a crack in concrete repair or to waterproof something, you must first drill holes into the concrete that converges the crack, using a hammer drill. The holes are typically drilled at a 45-degree angle to meet the crack midway through the structure, ensuring the resin is directed towards both the front and back of the crack.

Step 2: Flush the holes in the concrete. Failing to flush out the dust produced by drilling can result in it being pushed into the crack during injection, potentially blocking the crack and hindering the resin from reaching its intended location. This also removes other contaminants such as oil and paint etc. Insert a flexible hose to the back of the hole, allowing water to push the dust from the back to the concrete's surface. Continue flushing until the water runs clear. You can now install your injection port, which seals the hole and provides the injection pump with a direct link to the crack. This also provides an indication on the extent and ease with which the resin will penetrate the crack upon injection and assists in opening areas where the resin might not naturally flow. Finally, it ensures that there is sufficient moisture for the resin to react with.

Step 3: Inject the resin. Begin with the minimum pressure needed to maintain a steady flow of resin into the crack, and gradually increase the pressure as required to ensure the resin continues to move. When the resin isn’t moving further along the crack/damage anymore, move to another whole.

At CES Hire, we offer three varieties of resin injection pumps for purchase. The first is the Resin Injection Hand Pump by Refina. The Resin Injection Hand Pump is a lever-operated device designed to inject resin straight from a container. Made from brass to resist chemicals, this pump can inject pourable resins and chemical grouts at a pressure of up to25 bar, 350 psi. The recommended maximum grain size is 0.3mm and has an output of 0.5 litre per minute.

Following that is the A400 Eco Resin Injection Set 110v, a high-pressure resin injection device capable of operating at pressures up to 230 bar. It can be used on any construction site without additional compressed air, thanks to the power supply connection. This device is ideal for injecting or repairing cracks with PUR resins, epoxy resins, silicates, sponge protection agents and wood preservatives. An inlet valve with a valve dabber simplifies commissioning, even if the valve cone should become stuck. The working pressure is adjustable from 0-230 bar on the pressure regulator of the appliance. The machine output is 2.5 litres per minute.

Finally, we have the BMP80.25 INOX 1:1 Resin Injection Pump, which runs on air and they come completely ready for injection. The machine is suitable for explosion proof areas and the pump automatically stops after reaching the maximum pressure. The pressure is adjustable and there are 3 suction systems- for A, B and flushing (more on this further down in the blog). All material carrying parts on this machine are mad of stainless steel V4A and the machine is known for its long lifetime and relatively low cost maintenance. To make it even more user friendly, the valves can be rinsed separately. The mixing ratio on this machine is 1:1 fixed.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're interested in resin injection or need further information. You can give us a call on 01494 715472 or email sales@ces-hire.com.