Glossary of terms
Table of Contents
Carbon fiber reinforcing (CFRP)
Carbon Fiber Reinforcing (CFRP) is a lightweight, high-strength composite used to strengthen concrete columns, slabs, and walls.
Caulking
Caulking is a waterproof material used to fill and seal joints or seams against leakage in piping and various structures. Made from flexible polymers such as latex, rubber, silicone, or a combination of polymers, caulks are used for both new construction and repairs.
Cementitious overlay
A Cementitious Overlay is a thin colored concrete cement-based product applied over existing concrete for repair or decorative reasons. Overlays can be applied as thin as a feather finish or, in most cases, up to 3/4″ depending on the desired finish.
Chemical grouting
Chemical Grouting involves injecting polyurethane chemical grouts, usually sold as liquid resins, into or around leaks. When the resin contacts water, a chemical reaction occurs, and it expands into a closed-cell foam, which can be flexible and resilient (hydrophilic) or rigid (hydrophobic).
Coatings
Coatings are high-build film-forming liquids or liquids with fillers, reinforcement, or both applied to a substrate. They cure by heat, moisture, or chemical reaction to form a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer that bonds to and protects the substrate, providing a barrier for fluids.
Concrete pavers
Concrete Pavers, also known as paving stones, are a standard outdoor flooring solution often used to pave driveways, patios, walkways, and other commercial or residential surfaces. Manufactured and ready to install on-site, these concrete-based solutions come in many sizes, shapes, and colors.
Concrete restoration
Concrete Restoration consists of repairing deteriorated concrete and rusted reinforcing steel to bring the structure back to its original specifications and condition.
Corrosion control
Corrosion Control refers to the prevention of material deterioration through chemical reactions resulting from changes in the environment, materials, or the application of a barrier between the material and its normal environment.
Epoxy injections
Epoxy Injections are a specialized repair method involving injecting a two-part epoxy resin into cracks, voids, and other damaged areas in concrete structures. It requires specialized equipment.
Expansion joints
Expansion Joints are separations provided between adjacent sections to allow movement due to dimensional increases and reductions of the adjacent sections. In pavements, slabs on grade, they are separations filled with a compressible filler material.
Hydro demolition
Hydro Demolition is the controlled removal of concrete using high-pressure water.
Masonry restoration
Masonry Restoration involves working on any form of old masonry located on an existing structure. Restoration can include tearing down and rebuilding, cleaning, and sealing.
Moisture mitigation
Moisture Mitigation involves applying a topical moisture mitigation system to deal with high slab moisture conditions. This approach is commonly used when no other option can effectively deal with elevated moisture levels in the slab.
Post-tension repairs
Post-Tension Repairs involve reinforcing concrete using a technique where tendons, steel cables inside plastic ducts or sleeves, are tensioned after the concrete has gained strength but before service loads are applied. Repairs typically involve locating, exposing, splicing, and re-tensioning broken tendons.
Pre-stressed cables
Pre-Stressed Cables are used in prestressed concrete, where concrete is cast into pre-assembled forms with rebar and steel cable reinforcement. These cables are tensioned to approximately three-quarters of their ultimate strength before concrete curing.
Railings
Railings are designed to resist specified loads and comply with building codes. They include handrails, guards, and exterior railings designed for wind loads, glass safety requirements, and specific dimensions for ramps, stairs, and circular handrails.
Seawalls
Seawalls are structures made of concrete, masonry, or sheet piles built parallel to the shore to protect the inland area against wave action and prevent coastal erosion.
Concrete spalls
Concrete Spalling is the deterioration of the concrete surface, appearing as chipping, flaking, or peeling sections. It can be caused by freeze-thaw cycles, poor-quality concrete, or corrosion and oxidation of rebar.
Structural strengthening
Structural Strengthening involves reinforcing the original force-bearing structure to meet new requirements, improve safety, reduce costs, and prevent deterioration.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is the application of an impervious material layer on concrete to prevent water penetration and make the structure waterproof. It protects against water, waterborne contaminants, and chemicals that can cause concrete deterioration.
