Factors Affecting Bond Integrity

The surface of the concrete substrate has to be prepared to provide sufficient bond of the repair material. Factors that may affect the bond are the strength and integrity of the substrate, the cleanliness of the surface, and the roughness. The surface should be rough and dust or incoherent residues should be removed (for instance by sandblasting or waterblasting). This operation is usually not necessary if hydro-demohtion has been used. If the cementitious repair material is appHed directly on the surface of the concrete, the surface should be saturated by water in order to avoid absorption of water from the substrate and subsequent plastic shrinkage and incomplete hydration of the repair material, which will result in loss of bond. 

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