Statistical Survey on Inspection, Diagnosis, and Repair of Architectural Concrete Surfaces
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31, Issue 6
Abstract
This paper describes a statistical survey on the pathology of architectural concrete surfaces, based on the inspection of 53 Portuguese buildings (110 surfaces). The most common type of anomalies in architectural concrete surfaces, their probable causes, adequate diagnosis methods, and suitable maintenance and repair techniques are studied via quantitative indicators, including correlations, in the application of the procedures and classifications from an inspection, diagnosis, and repair expert system for architectural concrete surfaces. The structural integrity of concrete elements is out of this paper’s scope. The results show the importance of a complete set of construction details, including the formwork specifications, which are essential for the surfaces’ quality. Related to two-thirds of the registered causes of anomalies, execution is a key stage, greatly benefiting from the use of specialized labor. Regular cleaning procedures and the enhancement of surface protection throughout the surface service life may also prevent a number of relevant anomalies, as the most frequent anomalies (approximately half the occurrences) are aesthetic.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of CERIS-ICIST from IST, University of Lisbon, and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31 • Issue 6 • December 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 25, 2017
Accepted: May 10, 2017
Published online: Aug 12, 2017
Published in print: Dec 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jan 12, 2018
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