What is an epoxy crack injection system?
Epoxy crack injection is a low-cost method of repairing non-moving (or sporadically appearing) cracks in large structures and infrastructure. Different types of crack injection systems are used depending on the site of the crack(s). At CCUK, we use:
- Resin injection systems (Polyurea based) on structural repairs
- Flexible, fluid injection systems (Acrylic based) on concrete crack repairs
- Chemical systems on open or water-bearing joints
5 ways to use epoxy crack injection systems
Epoxy crack injection is used to restore structural and infrastructural features that have weakened due to the presence of cracks, and oftentimes, to help stop the leaks that accompany them. Here are 5 ways our concrete crack injection specialists use epoxy crack injection systems:
- Buildings, bridges, and civil infrastructure: can crack due to overloading and structural movement (or vibrations) coming from above, for example, construction vehicles repeatedly travelling across a bridge. Crack injection systems are an ideal solution when attempting to regain the strength, stability, and durability of bridges and buildings.
- Underground infrastructure like basements, tunnels, and stations:
Leaking concrete structures below ground (such as basements and civil engineering structures) can cause steel corrosion and concrete damage; which, in turn, greatly reduces service life. Crack injection systems can be used to seal and waterproof these underground leaks – saving interior finishings, furnishings, and other goods.
- Tunnels, tanks, pipes, and other water-retaining structures: can crack due to large volumes of water, chemicals, and other liquids passing through over a long period. Although these structures are purpose-built, this is why we always say that leak sealing and seepage control of water ingress and egress is essential to the performance of structures! What’s more, crack injection allows us to flexibly bridge, seal, and waterproof the area, making it watertight and far less likely to sustain future cracks. It’s a solution and a preventative.
- Travel routes such as concrete carriageways and airport taxiways can crack due to the pressure of heavy load weight. Using the right crack injection solution will help to restore the integrity of the runways and carriageways, allowing them to function safely and faultlessly as they did before cracks appeared.
- Industrial features like concrete slab panels can crack for a variety of reasons. Although concrete is one of the strongest building materials out there, it needs restoring from time to time! For an example of how we use crack injection to fix concrete slab panels.
Crack injection systems in action: The Piccadilly project
The problem: Some of the concrete panels that formed the construction of the floor slabs had suffered cracks and other signs of damage due to ageing.
The solution: Repairing and strengthening of lightly reinforced concrete slab panels. To do this, we used a suitable epoxy crack injection system, alongside:
- Hand-applied concrete
- A corrosion inhibitor
- Carbon fibre strengthening
- GFRP encapsulation
To find out more about our recent work, visit our project page.
My structure or infrastructure has cracks. What next?
The first step is to diagnose the cause of your structural or infrastructural crack; our concrete repair specialists do this by visiting the site and conducting a free feasibility survey, contact us today to find out more. Next, we determine the correct type of epoxy crack injection system to use. Finally, we’ll provide a free cost analysis, so you can decide whether to go ahead and get your cracks repaired. If you’d like further information, please contact our knowledgeable team today.
