servicesStructural Repairs & Protection

Repairing what carries the load

Structural repairs are carried out to restore how a structure performs, not simply to improve appearance. When concrete cracks, delaminates or breaks away, and reinforcement begins to corrode, the structure starts to lose continuity. Load paths become less effective and deterioration continues beneath the surface.

We repair beams, columns, slabs, soffits and walls by removing unsound concrete and cutting back to material that remains structurally reliable. Exposed reinforcement is cleaned, treated and protected before the area is rebuilt using repair mortars selected to suit the strength, exposure and movement characteristics of the existing structure. The objective is to restore continuity so the structure can distribute and transfer loads as intended.

Cracking is treated as a route for water and chlorides to enter the structure rather than simply a surface defect. Where required, resin injection systems are used to seal and bond cracks, helping restore continuity within the concrete while preventing further ingress to the reinforcement beneath.

The aim is to restore structural performance while reducing the likelihood of repeat deterioration. Repairs should become part of the structure itself, not a short-term patch applied over the problem.

Protecting concrete from future attack

Repair work on its own rarely resolves the underlying issue. If the conditions that caused the deterioration remain unchanged, the same problems will return, often beneath the surface and outside visible repair areas.

Protective systems are used to slow the processes that lead to concrete deterioration over time. Anti-carbonation coatings reduce the ingress of carbon dioxide, helping maintain the alkalinity within the concrete that protects embedded reinforcement from corrosion.

Protective coatings and sealers provide an additional barrier against water and chloride ingress while still allowing moisture vapour within the structure to escape. Controlling that balance is important. Trapped moisture can create pressure within the concrete and accelerate further deterioration around repaired areas.

In more aggressive environments, additional corrosion management measures can be introduced, including galvanic anode systems. These systems help control corrosion activity at the reinforcement and continue operating within the structure long after the repair works have been completed.

The objective is not simply to repair visible damage, but to improve the structure’s resistance to the conditions that caused the deterioration in the first place.

Designed for live, operational environments

Most of the structures we work on remain operational throughout the works. Car parks stay open to the public, podium decks remain in use and occupied buildings continue functioning day to day. The structure still needs to operate safely while repairs are being carried out.

Projects are planned around those operational requirements from the outset. Works are phased to maintain access wherever possible, with segregated work areas, controlled routes and clear management of interfaces between construction activity and live operations. Coordination with clients, consultants and site management teams continues throughout the programme to manage access, sequencing and changing site conditions.

Noise, dust and vibration are controlled through working methods, sequencing and equipment selection. Higher impact activities are scheduled around operational demands where possible, while temporary traffic management and pedestrian controls are adjusted as works move through the structure.

The objective is to deliver repairs safely and predictably while minimising disruption to the people continuing to use the space.

Standards, systems and accountability

All repair works are carried out in accordance with recognised industry standards, including BS EN 1504, using manufacturer-approved systems and application methods. Repair approaches are selected based on how the structure performs in service, the conditions it is exposed to and the level of durability required over the long term.

Repair strategies are developed around actual site conditions rather than standardised assumptions. Loading, movement, moisture exposure, operational constraints and access requirements are all considered before works begin. The focus is on delivering repairs that perform consistently within the environment they are installed into.

Defects are recorded, repair locations are tracked and materials are documented throughout the works. Asset owners are left with a clear record of the repairs undertaken, the systems installed and the reasoning behind the chosen approach. This supports future inspection, maintenance and asset management planning.

The objective is to deliver repairs that remain durable, traceable and technically appropriate for the structure, rather than short-term works that require repeated intervention.

Steelwork Corrosion Treatment & Protective Coatings

Steelwork within multi-storey car parks is exposed to aggressive conditions throughout its service life. Moisture, de-icing salts, traffic pollution and temperature changes all contribute to corrosion over time. As deterioration progresses, steel sections lose thickness, protective coatings fail and structural performance can begin to reduce.

Before any repair works are carried out, steelwork condition is assessed to identify corrosion levels, coating breakdown and any evidence of section loss. Where required, structural engineers are consulted to review strengthening or replacement requirements. Particular attention is given to edge beams, soffit steel, pan shuttering supports, connection details and areas regularly exposed to water run-off.

Surface preparation is one of the most important stages of the process. Existing corrosion products and failed coatings are removed through abrasive blast cleaning, typically to Sa 2½, to achieve the surface profile required for long-term coating adhesion and performance. Within operational environments, containment, access arrangements and phased working areas are carefully controlled to maintain safe operation of the structure during the works.

Protective coating systems are then applied to suit the exposure conditions and durability requirements of the structure. Systems commonly incorporate zinc-rich primers, high-build epoxy intermediate coats and UV-resistant topcoats, with dry film thickness monitored throughout the application process in line with ISO 12944 classifications.

Where pan shuttering or composite deck steel is present, preparation and coating application are carried out within the ribbed deck profiles to achieve continuous protection across the steel surface and adjoining structural elements.

The purpose of these works is not cosmetic improvement. It is to control corrosion properly, preserve structural capacity and extend the operational life of the asset over the long term.