Although concrete spalling is a common problem, particularly in structures that are located in a coastal or marine environment, the exact cause of concrete spalling would relate back to the specific circumstances and should be assessed case by case. However, quite often, several factors are at play.

1. Concrete Spalling
Concrete spalling, also commonly known as concrete cancer, is concrete that has flaked, broken or
delaminated from the surface of the affected area. It is a common problem with concrete structures and
is easy to identify once it has started.
Concrete spalling is caused when reinforcing steel within a concrete element begins to rust. The steel
can expand up to seven times its original size, and in due time, exceeds the tensile strength of the
concrete, and this results in concrete displacement and delaminationremedial building sydney. Once
manifested, if the problem is left untreated, the rust spreads along the reinforcement which can lead to
devastating structural damage of both the steel and the concrete.
Although concrete spalling is a common problem, particularly in structures that are located in a coastal
or marine environment, the exact cause of concrete spalling would relate back to the specific
circumstances and should be assessed case by case. However, quite often, several factors are at play.
Some of the most common causes, are the installation of reinforcing steel with inadequate concrete
cover – simply put, too close to the surface – which allows surface water to react with it, cracking and
damage to the concrete structure allowing water to penetrate and come into contact with the steel
reinforcement and being the catalyst for the oxidation process which causes the formation of rust.
Another cause is the use of incompatible metals in close proximity to each other enabling a chemical
reaction which can cause damage to the concrete and again, allows water to penetrate the concrete
structureremedial building.
It is of critical importance to address this situation when it starts to appear, and in a timely manner. This
is due to the fact that when the signs of deterioration of the concrete are ignored, it is inevitable that
more damage will arise, lead to further and significantly higher repair costs and eventually affect the
integrity of the structure.
Furthermore, if the problem is not attended to, the concrete might separate into pieces and these falling
pieces could quite possibly cause damage to property and serious injuries to people. This would put the
property owners at risk of legal proceedings due to negligence.
Once concrete begins to flake and delaminate, the repair cost would be larger than the cost at the
commencement of the problemstrata building sydney. Moreover, attempting to repair the problem,
such as applying cement render to the affected area, is incorrect and insignificant as it will not repair the
damage, and despite the effort and intention, the problem will continue below the surface. Treatment
and repair of the steel and concrete upon identification of the problem is the best and most effective
solution.
If you require professional advice with regard to identifying and repairing concrete spalling, you should
always err on the side of caution, and speak to an appropriately qualified consulting engineer. You can
contact Scope Building on (02) 8073 4555 or by email info@scopebuilding.net.au, and we can assist you.