The detachment of thin layers of concrete from the concrete surface is known as concrete delamination. It’s important to identify the concrete delamination before it spreads further and weakens the concrete structure. Delamination can occur at any time, and it majorly depends on the characteristics of concrete and the finishing practices used. To solve the problem of concrete delamination, you must understand the causes and techniques of identifying the delamination. So, read this blog post to learn everything you should know about concrete delamination.

delamination

Causes of Delamination of Concrete 

If you want to know why concrete delamination occurs, here are the two main causes for delamination –

1. When high air content gets trapped by a tight power-troweled finish on the surface, it results in delamination. The air bubbles get trapped because of the tight finish, and after that, small bubbles combine to make larger bubbles. The air tries to escape, so bubbles push the closed surface up, and later, these raised blisters harden.

2. The trapped bleed water is another reason for the concrete delamination. When concrete sets, it forces the water out of the mix, and the water escapes out of the top because of the vapor barriers placed under the slab. The small water pockets make larger areas, and water pushes against the surface, resulting in blisters.

How Can You Identify Concrete Delamination?

Now, you know the reasons for delamination in concrete, so the next big question is how to identify concrete delamination in a structure. Generally, the top 1/8 to ¼ inch of the concrete densifies because of improper finishing. Moreover, the size of the affected area depends on the severity of the delamination. But, this problem is often heard before it is seen. The sound plays an essential role in delamination surveys, and often people drag a chain or tap with a hammer to listen to hollow sounds.

The solid composite has a bright sound, but the delaminated part sound dull. In the same way, concrete sounds solid, and delaminated concrete has a light drum-like sound. Even the professionals who provide delamination detection concrete services use techniques and tools based on sound. Also, it is better to hire professionals to identify the concrete delamination because they use non-destructive testing methods and ensure accurate results. So, utilizing techniques like-sounding ASTM D-4580 delamination identification concrete testing is an excellent idea. Some of the other non-destructive testing methods are optical time domain reflectometers, ultrasound, radiographic imaging, and infrared imaging. It is all because of the technological advancement that you can identify the delaminated area and repair it before it affects the whole structure.

Find Professionals to Identify Delamination in Concrete 

Delamination of concrete is not good for the concrete structure, but there is nothing to worry about because professionals can help you identify the delamination in concrete and such repairs are manageable. You can count on a reliable and reputed company like Concrete Insight to identify delamination in concrete in Maryland. With 25+ years of experience, the technicians use the latest rotary percussion tool to identify areas of delamination. So, you can partner with us to ensure the safety of your concrete structure.