Sika, in conjunction with Vector Corrosion Technologies has launched an investigation methods service to determine the root cause of corrosion within reinforced concrete.

The expert assessment can not only identify debilitating elements in buildings and infrastructure before visible damage occurs, it also helps inform the best course of action to take to avoid future corrosion and prolong the life of the structure.

Mark Shaw, Technical Manager at Sika, said: “In order to protect and prolong the life of a building, early corrosion diagnosis is vital. Our investigation service offers a reliable test as to how a building is reacting to its surrounding environment.

“It assesses the overall state of the concrete and helps determine the type of remedial action – if any – is required. The service is an extension of Sika’s Total Corrosion Management solution that offers the best principles and methods of concrete repair and protection in accordance with EN 1504.”

BS EN 1504 Standards stipulate a survey and interpretation of results is a prerequisite prior to work starting on concrete repair projects. There are many tools and methods to test the rate of corrosion, its source and the effect on the concrete.

Investigation methods carried out during Sika’s concrete assessment service include a visual survey of corrosion damage; dust sample analysis for chloride content; cover meter readings; carbonation; steel half-cell mapping; steel continuity; steel corrosion-rate mapping, and concrete resistivity mapping.

Mark Shaw added: “A concrete conditioning survey can help identify a potential problem before it takes hold, tying-in with the well-known saying, ‘prevention is better than cure’. The good news is, with the launch of our investigation service, alongside our existing Total Corrosion Management System, Sika has the means to provide the prevention and a long-term cure.”