The Benefits of Concrete Over Concrete

Concrete is a sturdy material that has been used in the construction of such iconic structures as the Pantheon and Colosseum. It’s also a popular choice for patios, driveways and other outdoor surfaces.

However, concrete can develop issues over time, such as stains and heaves. In some cases, a new layer of concrete is necessary to restore a structure’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Structural Strength

Concrete is one of the most robust and durable building materials in use since ancient times. Its various strength properties give it a wide range of applications, from foundations and beams to roadways and sidewalks.

The most common measure of the strength of concrete is its compressive strength, often expressed in PSI. This measure accurately indicates how well the concrete will hold up under stress and is a major consideration when choosing a concrete mixture.

Flexural and tensile strength are also important, but are harder to determine. The tensile strength of conventional concrete, which depends on its composition and the way it’s reinforced, is only about 10 to 15% of its compressive strength.

A specialized test can determine the tensile strength of concrete. It involves slicing off pieces of the concrete and evaluating their ability to bend and twist. The tensile strength of the slices is also measured by bending them in a laboratory. The best way to get an accurate strength reading is by testing a field-cured cylinder.

Durability

Concrete buildings are long-lasting, durable and require less maintenance. This reduces the number of times they need to be demolished or rebuilt, as well as their embodied energy. This makes them much more sustainable than other materials, such as steel, asphalt and plasterboard.

The quality of the existing concrete can impact how well a new concrete overlay performs. Significant damage, such as large cracks, settling and surface deterioration, will prevent the overlay from clinging to it effectively.

If a concrete slab is not in good condition, it may be more cost-effective to replace it completely instead of trying to hide its problems with an overlay. In these cases, it is worth considering the steps involved in preparing the area properly for an entirely new concrete installation. This will ensure the durability of the final product.

Aesthetics

Concrete overlays combine the best aspects of science and artistry to rejuvenate surfaces, from the basement of an old building to a modern home exterior. They deliver a fresh, modern aesthetic, and they’re also resilient against the elements and chemicals.

In contrast, painting and coatings require a lot of preparation and are limited in color options. Pouring a new layer of concrete also requires removing the existing surface, which has its own challenges — it’s time-consuming and expensive, and it may not address structural issues.

Concrete’s most severe impact, however, is in the way it pushes humanity outwards — into cities and suburbs, choking habitats and destroying the natural ecosystems that provide oxygen, fertilisation, flood control, pollution filtration, and water purification. This is exacerbated by the thirsty behemoth that concrete is, which consumes a 10th of the world’s industrial water supply in drought and water-stressed regions.

Installation

Concrete is a durable and cost-efficient material that can be poured on a variety of surfaces. This includes existing concrete, gravel/AB, asphalt, dirt or even wood.

When considering pouring new concrete over old, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure the old concrete slab is in structurally sound condition. Significant damage, including large cracks and settling, can prevent the new layer of concrete from adhering correctly. Surface deterioration should also be repaired before any overlay is poured.

A bonded overlay is a good choice when the original concrete is still in good condition. This type of concrete overlay uses an adhesive bonding agent between the old and new layers to join them together. It is best used on concrete that has a minimum thickness of 25 to 50 millimeters and benefits from the older concrete’s strength and stability. The bonded overlay may be used to repair cracks, add texture or even create patterns on the concrete.

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