During the operation of concrete and brick structures, in any case, there is a need for restoration of the foundation or the aboveground part of the building with a concrete or brick structure. This process is characterized by labor intensive and expensive. Today, builders have opened up new opportunities for the world thanks to an effective technology for the reconstruction of buildings - injection (injection) of concrete cracks.
The technique involves filling cracks on different surfaces using a special polymer composition, fed under strong pressure. These types of concrete injections contribute to the maximum efficiency of sealing cracks and other defects on surfaces.
When is this procedure carried out?
It is appropriate to apply the technology for waterproofing basements or tunnels. This is especially true when leaks form on surfaces. By injecting cracks in the walls, they can be completely eliminated.
In addition to blowing cracks inside the walls, work is also being carried out to seal surfaces: walls, ceiling, floor screed. This method of work is chosen if it is necessary to restore the foundation, if during the construction process “cold seams” were made. It is worth considering that the phenomenon is rare when debris accumulates between adjacent canvases, and adhering particles subsequently have a negative effect on the adhesive properties and water resistance of the structure.
Injection is indispensable for enhancing the waterproofing properties of foundations made of blocks. In this case, the composition of the mixture fills even the smallest cracks and voids in a reinforced concrete or concrete monolith.
Without this procedure, reinforcing piles during foundation repair will not be as effective.
Species diversity of formulations
Among the mixtures used for injection of cracks, special requirements are put forward, according to which the substance is different:
- low viscosity;
- high permeability, which allows the composition to fill even microscopic cracks;
- good adhesion to all building surfaces;
- distinguishing resistant to the development of corrosion processes;
- minimal shrinkage after the mixture has completely hardened;
- longer operating periods.
Three groups of compounds used for injecting cracked brick walls are suitable for these requirements:
- epoxy or polyurethane resins;
- politsementnye materials (microcement);
- specialized waterproofing solutions.
Resins
Injection of cracks in the substrates using resins is performed when the thickness of the cracks does not exceed 0.5 mm. The material quickly fills the microscopic pores, which can significantly increase the strength of concrete, stimulating the process of restoring the structural bearing capacity.
Two types of resins are distinguished:
A look at the performance of each subspecies.
Polyurethane
In addition to filling cracks, the resin will help provide the structure with additional waterproofing. Most often, the procedure is performed if necessary, the processing of wet joints, as well as for the reconstruction of concrete and reinforced concrete monolithic bases. Resins of this type do an excellent job of stopping water inflow (pressureless or pressure), waterproofing communications.
Epoxy
This type of resin is characterized by a particular increased chemical resistance. The composition quickly sets, forming a solid structure with concrete or brick by penetrating the base. Epoxy compounds are indispensable when injecting cracks or joints, which allows you to 100% restore the bearing capacity of the structure. When the epoxy is in contact with water, its volumes increase up to 3 times, which contributes to the formation of a bulk waterproofing layer.
Cement material
These compositions are used in larger lesions. Microcement or polycement material - Portland cement designed specifically for injection. The compositions are distinguished by a special degree of grinding, which contributes to the good penetration of the material into the formed cavities, pores, cracks.
In addition, auxiliary substances in the form of such components as a solution of injectable runite for masonry are added to polycement. The composition of the substance is white Portland cement with a carbonate-quartz filler, lime and additional additives. Such a component composition of the agent makes it possible to control the solidification of the composition, as a result of which there is no need to withstand pauses during the execution of injection work.
Waterproofing Compounds
The waterproofing method of injecting masonry cracks is performed using polyurethane as a feeding material, which perfectly resists moisture from entering the walls.
It is used for processing joints, joints between monolithic elements, during the restoration of wet, to isolate holes and cracks in sewer and water networks.
Acrylic gels
At least others are used for waterproofing. The compositions are characterized by reduced viscosity and the ability to expand in volume in a humid environment. The good fluidity of such compositions allows you to quickly create a waterproof barrier on the surface or inside it. In addition, the gel not only fills the cracks, but also dries the space around them.
Any of the above means is injected in a concrete monolith with the use of specialized equipment.
Technical equipment for crack injection and its cost
For the above purposes, specialized equipment is used:
- Injection pumps, the cost of which varies depending on the type of substance used. Tools for injection with cement mortars are expensive and will cost about 82,000 rubles. Polyurethane and epoxy resins are well served by the ways of the KSG 900 pump model, the cost of which on the market is 50,000 rubles. You can choose one of the cheapest devices - the option of a manual budget pump.
- Packers that look like special tubes that let mortar inside a concrete base. One such device will cost about 50 rubles, although the price depends on the size.
Resin is in the range of 1000 rubles / kg, and acrylic gel - from 500 rubles / kg. In the course of work, one can’t do without a protective tape, the roll of which will cost from 400 rubles.
Features of the work
The execution process depends on the type of damage. A common procedure for injecting cracks in concrete is as follows:
- The crack is expanded using a grinder. The surface is cleaned, making it smoother and more even.
- Parkers are inserted into the prepared holes.
- Tape the tape on both sides of the patch.
- Through the inserted tubes, an injection composition is introduced into the thickness of the concrete.
- Parkers are carefully removed.
- They clean the surface, carefully monitoring the progress of the process.
The procedure for injecting cracks in masonry and concrete substrates helps to reduce the risk of possible shrinkage of the building in the future and will increase the strength characteristics of concrete. Thanks to this method, pressure leaks are easily avoided, which affects the increase in waterproofing properties.