Issues you may face
BS EN 1504 Principle 1 is protection against ingress by reducing or preventing the ingress of adverse agents such as: water, other liquids, vapour, gas, chemicals, and biological agents. Protection against ingress includes measures to reduce the porosity or permeability of the concrete surface by treatment using surface protection systems to BS EN 1504-2 or sealing cracks by injection or filling to BS EN 1504-5.
1A. Water ingress
Water ingress through rainfall in areas of high rainfall or severe exposure.
1B. Carbonation
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can cause carbonation.
2. Non-structural cracks
Non-structural cracks appearing in the surface of the concrete can allow water to penetrate and set up corrosion of the rebar reinforcement.
3. Cracked and delaminated concrete
This can be the first sign that there is a corrosion problem. Left untreated this can cause further problems. These defects should be repaired using Repair Principles 3-11, BS EN 1504.
4. Water ingress ponding
Saturated concrete due to water ponding can lead to freeze-thaw damage to exposed concrete slabs or pavement. This leads to delamination of the concrete surface. De-icing salts can cause chloride-induced corrosion.