Pathologies and building rehabilitation

Pathologies and building rehabilitation

Prevent building pathologies to preserve the quality of buildings throughout their life
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Juxtaposition of materials, variable atmospheres: these are all sources of undesired reactions that can be controlled by a proper diagnosis of the causes of disorder
A building is not an inert unit. The juxtaposition of more or less complex materials, in highly variable atmospheres (temperatures, humidity levels, wind, rain, etc.) can give rise to undesirable reactions. Making the right diagnosis is therefore essential to pinpointing the causes of disorders and controlling their effects.

General pathology - Concrete pathology

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Wall moisture pathology - Bridge pathology

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Building rehabilitation and upgrading

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[Archives] Pathologies and building rehabilitation

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The latest publications in this offer are:

  • C7304
    Fluid percolation in porous material

    This article explores the theory of percolation, an active area of research for over forty years, with applications ranging from theoretical physics to practical contexts such as construction, public health, telecommunications, and forest fire management. The theory specifically addresses the percolation of fluids in porous media, where fluids follow paths dictated by accessible porosity, void size, and their interactions.The text highlights the complex interactions between fluids and porous structures, proposing solutions based on percolation principles to improve the management of construction environments and other industrial applications.

  • C2254
    Internal sulfate reaction in concrete structures

    The internal sulphate reaction due to Delayed Formation of Ettringite (DEF) is an expansive reaction of concrete that can severely damage structures.The article has 3 parts: the first one presents the physico-chemical mechanisms of RSI, the influence of various parameters and the mechanical consequences; the second presents the visible disorders in the structures, the diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation and management of the structures; the third introduces the French IFSTTAR recommendations to prevent disorders; these are based on a crossing between the category of risk of occurrence of disorders on a given structure and its exposure class, this crossing making it possible to define a level of prevention which then determines the precautions to be applied which are essentially based on the…

  • C6150 Review
    Reinforced concrete pathologies

    There are several types of reinforced concrete pathologies. Design errors essentially impact the reinforcement of the structure and thus the soundness of it. For instance, under high strains, outward thrust of un-balanced armor can induce cracking. Similarly a too low radius of curvature of tension rods induce a local compression zone which leads to concrete crushing. Furthermore, a quality assurance log is a necessary but not sufficient enough way in order to reduce damages in concrete structures. Experienced design defects can impact cantilever steel slabs or beams. Improper water dosage in concrete and usage of defective or inappropriate aggregates can also be causes of defects.

  • C7301 Review
    Foundation pathologies

    Foundation disorders are relatively rare because of the safety factors applied both on the capacities of the soil and on that of the materials (concrete, steel). On the other hand, they sometimes have heavy financial impacts.The article aims to classify the various pathologies of foundations from their origin or their cause, to state some basic principles to avoid them, and finally, to draw lessons that can be useful to builders.

  • C6302 Review
    Repairing reinforced concrete structures

    Repair of concrete requires not only knowledge of the support to be repaired, of repair and materials and of their environmental conditions of use, but also an understanding of the mechanisms underlying adhesion. Dimensional, electrochemical, chemical and permeability compatibilities are the keys to successful, durable repairs. Based on an analysis of the reinforced concrete building stock and possible intervention strategies, emphasis was placed in Part 1 on the effects and causes of the most prevalent surface defects. But besides the requirement for a proper condition assessment, adequate preparation, cleanliness and roughness are essential characteristics for the development of adhesion and the bonding of the repair product, thereby ensuring the durability of the repair.

  • C6300 Review
    Repairing reinforced concrete structures

    Repair of concrete requires not only knowledge of the support to be repaired, of the repair materials and of their environmental conditions of use, but also an understanding of the mechanisms underlying adhesion. Dimensional, electrochemical, chemical and permeability compatibilities can ensure successful, durable repairs. An analysis of the building stock affected, and of possible intervention strategies is first presented. Emphasis is placed on the effects and causes of deterioration affecting reinforced concrete structures: cracking, spalling and disintegration are the main types of surface defects observed, most often linked to corrosion of the underlying steel reinforcement. Correct diagnosis allows selection of the most suitable repair techniques and materials.

  • C7302
    The pathogenic effects of water in buildings

    If water is necessary for many reasons (implementation of concrete, plaster, etc.) whatever its form (solid, liquid, gas) it is also an aggressive factor and even and sometimes a dangerous enemy. Because of its extent, such a study can’t necessarily be exhaustive.In the one, which is not theoretical but based on thousands of records concerning damages and expert evaluations, we will try to identify the different types of pathologies, sometimes important, linked to water in whatever shape, and the means to remedy to it and sometimes with very important financial consequences.

  • C6152 Review
    Cracking of reinforced concrete

    Cracking of reinforced concrete is a normal phenomenon given the fundamental characteristics of this material. However, whether for esthetic or durability reasons, it is judicious to limit the crack openings. This article describes the relations between cracking and durability, and discusses the concept of crack opening. Different theories of the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete are presented and compared with regulatory approaches. These theories show that reducing stress in the steel reinforcement and using the smallest diameter bars limit crack opening.

  • C7300
    Pavement pathology

  • COR415 Review
    Reactivity of concrete surfaces

    While the reactivity of surfaces of concrete directly influences its aesthetics and durability, new surface functionalizations intended to widen the field of use of concrete are emerging by using the reactivity of certain loads.The aim of this article is to explain how the surface reactivity of concrete can be related to its chemical composition and to interactions with its environment. Many examples related to the presence of ions in solution, the formwork conditions, the use of particular charges in the mixture and the application of protective coatings are detailed in this article.

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