I read somewhere that they can now make construction concrete that will last many lifetimes. The concrete used in the Hoover Dam, for example, is claimed to be able to “last forever” (a time period that the concerned engineers have not quantified). As concrete is, effectively, an artificial rock; it is common place for designers of concrete structures to think in terms of a minimum lifetime of 100 years; however, with certain additives, research indicates a 16,000 year lifetime for some blends of concrete.
So, Why Would We Need Concrete Repair In New Jersey?
In isolation, concrete will last a very long time; but, there are many external factors that can damage concrete and lead to requirements for Concrete Repair In New Jersey. Concrete’s great strength is under compression; but it is damaged relatively easily under tensile or shear forces. Fortunately, we are not likely to experience major earthquakes here in New Jersey so earthquake damage to our concrete structures is unlikely; however, we can get strong rainstorms (even hurricanes); resultant flooding; or landslides; can wash out the foundations beneath concrete structures leading to damage to that concrete.
Then, there are a number of far less dramatic events that can damage a concrete structure – this includes “flat” structures like roads, driveways; or, sidewalks, etc. Badly installed steel reinforcement within the concrete can lead to concrete cracking; tree roots growing beneath concrete can push up the concrete layer leading to cracks; followed by holes in the concrete surface. Some forms of weathering; bacteria attack; or, pollution; can also damage a concrete surface and; let’s not forget accidental (or deliberate) impact damage.
Concrete may be good in compression; but, its resistance to compressive forces is not unlimited; suppose your home has a well laid concrete driveway; the installation contractor will have carefully calculated things like – type of foundation; exact concrete mix, etc; to withstand the expected daily forces (probably from a few standard automobiles driving over it each day); but, what if, one day; some idiot in an 18 wheeler decides to drive up your driveway? Maybe the pavement will survive (maybe not); but, what if he runs aver your concrete curbing? By the time he departs; you are more than likely to be looking for Concrete Repair In New Jersey.
