servicesStructural Repairs & Protection

Specialist Concrete Repair

Concrete deterioration can affect decks, slabs, beams, columns, soffits and walls, with defects ranging from isolated surface deterioration through to more significant areas requiring structural assessment and repair.

H³ Construct undertakes controlled breakout and removal of defective concrete before preparing the remaining substrate and exposed reinforcement. Corroded reinforcement is cleaned and treated as required, with additional reinforcement or other remedial measures incorporated where specified by the project engineer.

Repair areas are reinstated using specialist repair mortars selected to suit the substrate, exposure conditions, repair geometry and performance requirements. Correct preparation, reinforcement treatment, application and curing are fundamental to achieving a durable repair.

Cracking is assessed according to its nature and the requirements of the repair. Where appropriate, specialist resin injection systems can be used to seal or structurally bond cracks, restrict further water and chloride ingress and reinstate continuity within the affected concrete.

Where deterioration may affect structural adequacy, H³ Construct works alongside the appointed structural engineer to deliver the specified repair or strengthening solution.

The objective is not simply to replace missing concrete, but to create a compatible, durable repair that addresses the identified defect and integrates correctly with the existing structure.

Protecting Concrete from Future Deterioration

Repairing visible defects is only part of an effective concrete repair strategy. Where the exposure conditions that contributed to deterioration remain, additional protection may be required to reduce the risk of further damage.

Anti-carbonation coatings can reduce the ingress of carbon dioxide and help protect reinforced concrete against further carbonation. Protective coatings and surface treatments can also restrict water and chloride ingress while providing appropriate moisture vapour transmission from the substrate.

Where reinforcement corrosion presents a wider risk, additional corrosion management measures can be incorporated. These may include reinforcement treatments, corrosion inhibitors and galvanic anode systems selected according to the condition of the structure and the repair strategy.

Galvanic anodes can be installed within repair areas to help manage corrosion activity in adjacent reinforcement and reduce the risk of incipient anode corrosion developing around completed repairs.

The objective is to combine repair and protection so that the completed works address both the visible deterioration and the conditions contributing to it.

Structural Repairs in Live Environments

Structural repair works often need to be undertaken while the surrounding building or structure remains fully operational. Car parks continue to accommodate vehicles and pedestrians, commercial buildings remain occupied and podium decks may still provide essential access. Careful planning and control are therefore fundamental to how the works are delivered.

H³ Construct regularly undertakes repair and protection works within live environments. Programmes are planned around the operation of the asset, with work areas phased and segregated to maintain access and minimise disruption wherever the nature of the works allows.

Repair activities can involve breakout, mechanical preparation, drilling, resin injection, surface preparation and the application of specialist repair and protection systems. Work zones, access arrangements and temporary controls are developed around these activities to protect building users, site personnel and adjacent operations.

Noise, dust and vibration are considered when selecting equipment, working methods and sequencing. Where higher-impact activities are required, these can be coordinated around operational requirements, agreed working periods and other activities taking place within or around the structure.

We work closely with clients, consultants, managing agents and site teams throughout delivery. Access requirements, temporary closures, changing site conditions and interfaces with other contractors can therefore be managed as the programme progresses.

Whether undertaking isolated concrete repairs or a wider phased repair and protection programme, our approach is to deliver the works safely, maintain the operation of the asset wherever practicable and minimise disruption to the people and businesses around us.

Standards, Quality & Traceability

Concrete repair and protection works are undertaken using recognised specialist systems and appropriate industry standards, including the applicable requirements of the BS EN 1504 series.

Repair methods and materials are selected according to the existing substrate, exposure conditions, repair requirements and project specification. Where works form part of an engineered repair strategy, H³ Construct works to the details and requirements established by the appointed structural engineer and project team.

Quality control continues throughout delivery. Repair locations, substrate preparation, materials and completed works can be recorded as part of the project quality documentation, providing an auditable record of the works undertaken.

This information can also support future inspection, maintenance and asset management by providing the client with a clearer understanding of where repairs have been undertaken and the systems that have been installed.

Our focus is on delivering technically appropriate, properly documented repairs with long-term durability in mind.

Steelwork Corrosion Treatment & Protective Coatings

Exposed and enclosed structural steelwork can deteriorate as protective coatings break down and corrosion develops. If left untreated, corrosion can continue beneath failed coatings and prolonged deterioration can result in section loss which, where significant, may require assessment by a structural engineer.

Effective treatment starts with understanding the condition of the existing steelwork and coating system. H³ Construct undertakes corrosion treatment and protective coating works using preparation methods selected to suit the condition of the substrate, project specification, surrounding environment and required coating system.

Surface preparation can range from mechanical cleaning and localised preparation through to more extensive abrasive blasting where specified and appropriate. Existing loose or failed coatings, corrosion products and contaminants are removed to achieve the preparation standard required for the selected protective system.

Following preparation, compatible protective coating systems are applied in accordance with the project specification and manufacturer’s requirements. The required build-up will depend on factors including the environment, exposure conditions, required durability, existing substrate and intended service conditions rather than applying a single coating specification to every structure.

Quality control forms an important part of the process. Depending on the specification, this can include monitoring surface preparation, environmental conditions, coating application, wet and dry film thicknesses and completion of inspection records throughout the works.

Where corrosion or section loss raises concerns regarding structural adequacy, H³ Construct works alongside the appointed structural engineer to deliver any specified repair, strengthening or protection measures.

From localised corrosion treatment through to extensive phased steelwork refurbishment, our approach is based on appropriate preparation, correctly specified protective systems and controlled application to provide durable long-term protection.