Concrete Cancer: to Repair or to Replace

Located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, this residential historical complex consisting of three levels of face brickwork, with garages to the front lower level of the property is of significant character and heritage. Years of Chloride ion penetration however, have resulted in the loss of integrity of the car park roof slabs. Bellmont was engaged to inspect and assess possible remedial measures. Our inspection revealed the presence of chloride ions within the concrete slab – well above the allowable threshold. The structural integrity of the slab and beams were deemed to be in a critical condition.

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BellMont documented a remedial specification for the necessary remedial works and procured tenders from Sydney’s leading concrete repair contractors. Buildcorp was the successful tenderer and commenced with detailed propping and demolition of the structure in order to allow for the demolition of the concrete. Bellmont provided advice on propping of the building – whilst maintaining full functionality of the residential complex – other than the garage areas off course.
Interestingly, the intricate brickwork of the structure required for the new slab to be supported off cantilevered brickwork. The remedial design proposed by BellMont required for new shelf angles to be installed beneath the cantilevered bricks for additional support, along with the application of a penetrating migrating inhibitor to the existing concrete in order to protect against reinforcement corrosion for many years to come. The new concrete slab will be waterproofed and protected from water penetration for many years to come also.

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