Concrete Damage Series, Part 8 Transverse Joints Transverse joints are constructed in concrete pavements to permit movement of the concrete slabs. Some joints are constructed with load transfer dowels. If the pavement has poor subsurface drainage, traffic may eventually create voids under the joints due to friction and cause the slabs to settle or fault. [...]

Concrete Damage Series, Part 6 Spalling Spalling is the loss of a piece of the concrete pavement from the surface or along the edges of cracks and joints. Cracking or freeze-thaw cycles may break the concrete loose, or spalling may be caused by poor quality materials or improper installation. Spalling may be only in small [...]

Concrete Damage Series, Part 5 Shallow reinforcing If the steel reinforcing bar or mesh is placed too close to the concrete surface it will lead to concrete spalling. Corrosion of the steel creates force that breaks and dislodges the concrete. Often you can see rust stains in the surface cracks before spalling occurs. Shallow reinforcing [...]

Concrete Damage Series, Part 4 Scaling Scaling is a deterioration of the surface that causes a loss of fine aggregate and mortar. Extreme scaling can result in large aggregate loss which is usually caused by using concrete which has not been air-entrained. The surface can become susceptible to freeze-thaw damage. Scaling is also increased by [...]