Concrete repair mortars: how to choose

Thixotropic or pourable, normal or fast setting, for specific processing or "all in one". Here is an outline on mortars for concrete repair

The restoration of damaged concrete is one of the most frequent interventions in the existing architectural heritage. Time, the impact of atmospheric agents and mechanical actions contribute to the degradation of buildings. They require a proper and recurrent maintenance.

The problems and needs in this area are always different. For this reason Kimia, which develops technical mortars for concrete repair since the early eighties, has extended and improved over time its range of solutions to make them more suitable for all the needs of industry professionals.

The consequence is that it is often not easy to choose the right products. Our products in fact are different in small details. But even the small details, as you know, are able to make a difference. This is why we have made a complete selection guide with a slide show to summarize the main features of Kimia mortars for concrete repair. Let's see it in detail.

How to choose

The range of solutions is made up of mortars for restoration, and skim coating. Mortars for restoration are used for the reconstruction of the damaged portions of concrete.
There are two kinds of products:

• a thixotropic consistency, to be applied with a trowel or by machine, for localized or not application ;
• pourable grout, for greater thicknesses. Pourable mortars can be used for slubs of beams or pillars sections and structural reinforcement of slabs.

The mechanical performance of the mortars are further elements of distinction. In fact mortars are classified (according to the UNI EN 1504-3) depending on of their compressive strengths, their adhesion to the substrate and their ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions. Classes range from R1 to R4 and indicate increasing performance.

R1 and R2 are strength classes suitable for non-structural application.
R3 and R4 are suitable for structural application.

The lack of shrinkage is essential for all restoration mortars used in a few centimeter thicknesses, in order to avoid cracks which compromise the works. For this reason mortars known as "non-shrink mortars" for concrete repair are fiber-reinforced with synthetic fibers.

Another distinguishing element is the curing time. There are in fact normal setting mortars, which follow the normal setting of concrete and quick-setting, often useful to speed up the works.

Skim coating mortars

In addition to the reconstruction of deteriorated concrete portions, it is also necessary to smooth and skim coat the surfaces. It works as a protective layer of concrete.

For this they use smoothing mortars, equipped with an ultra-thin granulometry, which are applied in layers of a few millimeters and smoothed with a trowel, thus preparing the artifact to the application of subsequent coatings or finishes. In the case of smoothing mortars mechanical strengths are not fundamental, not being their use of a structural type. For these it is therefore favor of R1 or R2 resistance class mortar.

Smoothing mortars with an ultra-thin granulometry are applied in layers of a few millimeters and smoothed with a trowel. In the case of smoothing mortars mechanical strengths are not essential, thay are not used for structural works. For these reasons R1 or R2 classes are the most suitable ones.

Last finally known for mortars "all in one". This kind of solutions, thanks to fine particle size, but high mechanical allow through a single product to perform both the reconstruction that skim coating Often they can help you avoid the use of the passivating treatment, thanks to the presence of corrosion inhibitors contained in the formulation.

A resume of Kimia solutions

The main features of Kimia mortars for concrete repair a practical guide to the choice.

Here you are the links to the products data sheets. You can find information and the sheets to download.

Betonfix mortars table

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