Compatibility performance as a fundamental requirement for the repair of concrete structures with Self-Compacting Repair Mortars

Durable adhesion of repair material on concrete substrate requires compatibility between the materials to be bonded. There are four main compatibility components to be addressed in any concrete repair scenario: dimensional, permeability, chemical and electrochemical compatibility. Among those, dimensional compatibility is often prevalent: while a cement-base repair material inevitably undergoes shrinkage, the substrate opposes to its free movement, a situation that can lead to cracking and, subsequently, promote debonding. Besides, an essential requirement for bond development is the creation of the interface itself: the intimate contact between the repair system and concrete substrate is required in order to maximize adhesion. Adequate compaction of the new layer is consequently one of the main parameters that will govern the quality of the bond: sufficient vibration or specific rheological properties for the repair material are needed.
Self-Compacting Repair Mortar (SCRM) can be advantageously used in many repair situations. Limestone fillers seem to offer interesting advantages as addition to these repair materials as they increase the workability of the final product. Several materials have been tested and characterised by means of a physical, chemical and mechanical characterization test program: specific attention has been given to water demand and superplasticizer efficiency.