Crack Repairs Non-Structural Methodology

Concrete should be clean, dry and sound. Surfaces should be sound enough to provide sufficient strength for bonding at the interfaces.

1. Using an angle grinder or similar to ream out the shrinkage cracks to a minimum of 5 mm wide and 10 mm deep to create a reservoir to receive the epidermix 389 or 365. To increase the “reservoir” height, apply a bead of DOW CORNING 813C along both sides of the reamed area. This may be removed upon completion by grinding flush with the surface if required.
2. If the surface of the concrete is unsound chase a “V” cut at least 10 mm deep and 20 mm wide into the crack.
3. The surface over the entire length of the crack should be wire brushed to remove laitance from the concrete and ensuring that the crack after reaming is clear for the epoxy resin to penetrate.
4. Remove all debris and dust by blowing with oil free compressed air.

Add the entire contents of the activator can to the base material. Stir for five minutes using a flat paddle. If only a small quantity is required, pre-stir the contents of each container using separate flat paddles. Add the relative base and activator components together and thoroughly mix together for five minutes using a flat paddle.

To the prepared crack surface pour the relevant epidermix 389 or 365 until the “reservoir” is full. Allow the epoxy resin to migrate into the crack, continually monitor the “reservoir” ensuring that it remains full until the crack no longer takes up epoxy resin.

The calculation:

Length of crack x Depth of crack x Width of crack (all in cm) divided by 1000 = litres of resin required.

If epoxy usage exceeds this figure by more than 4 times, the matter should be referred to the Engineer as excessive internal honeycomb may be present. If the crack in the slab is in contact with another sub-slab or in the wing wall of an abutment it is likely that the resin is going straight through the member into the void or the ground.

Crack: estimation of cavity volume is necessary.

epidermix products should be removed from tools, equipment and mixers with abe^® super brush cleaner immediately after use. Hardened material can only be removed mechanically.

• epidermix compounds used in the crack injection system
• epidermix 365 – if crack width exceeds 0,10 mm
• epidermix 389 – if crack width lies between 0,10 and 0,05 mm
• epidermix 395 – used in crack repair of concrete roads.
• epidemix 314/372 – for surface sealing prior to the injection process.
• DOW CORNING DC 813C – to form a reservoir for the epoxy
• abe^® super brush cleaner

• Long shank grease nipples (± 30 mm long).
• Manually operated pump type grease gun.
• Power drill with 6 mm masonry bit.
• Wire brush.
• Fine stiff wire.
• Pins.
• Cold chisel and hammer.
• Rubber or plastic tubing – 6 mm I.D.
• Flat paddles for mixing injection resins.
• Putty knives for mixing epidermix 314/372.

This data sheet is issued as a guide to the use of the product(s) concerned. Whilst a.b.e.^® Construction Chemicals endeavors to ensure that any advice, recommendation, specification or information is accurate and correct, the company cannot – because a.b.e.^® has no direct or continuous control over where and how a.b.e.^® products are applied – accept any liability either directly or indirectly arising from the use of a.b.e.^® products, whether or not in accordance with any advice, specification, recommendation, or information given by the company.

Where other products are to be used in conjunction with this material, the relevant technical data sheets should be consulted to determine total requirements. a.b.e.^® Construction Chemicals has a wealth of technical and practical experience built up over years in the company’s pursuit of excellence in building and construction technology.