Do-it-yourself concrete hardening

Concrete is a versatile, strong and durable material. Despite these qualities, there are factors that have a negative impact and reduce its bearing capacity. There are ways to protect a structure from premature failure. Let's consider which of them can improve the strength characteristics of concrete.

Ironing or topping

The floor in places of high traffic of people is constantly exposed to mechanical stress, therefore, it needs additional reinforcement. This effect can be achieved on an industrial scale thanks to topping. This is a special material that is sprinkled on an already concrete surface. They pass from above with a trowel.

The older method is iron. Our ancestors used it. Instead of topping, ordinary cement of the highest grade is suitable. It is not difficult to carry out the work on your own, the main thing is to follow the technology and follow the recommendations of the composition manufacturers.

A small layer (1-2 mm) of dry cement is sprinkled on a layer of still uncured concrete. After it has saturated moisture and turned gray, it is rubbed into the surface with a steel trowel. Then cement is sprinkled again, but in a smaller volume. You need to rub in the other direction. This option is suitable for horizontal surfaces.

The wet method can also be used. For this, a liquid composition should be prepared from cement or other suitable material. The wet method is successfully used to strengthen not only horizontal, but also vertical surfaces.

Important! Chips and cracks will not appear on the surface if the ironing rules are strictly followed.

• You need to work on an unstable foundation.
• If water appears on the concrete surface, it must be removed.
• After ironing, the concrete needs to be looked after.

To increase the strength of the monolith, other components are also used:

• liquid glass;
• polymers;
• cement-based mixtures.

Iron can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Reinforcement

In order to strengthen concrete, reinforcement is used. These materials complement each other. Reinforced concrete has great strength.

The connection of steel rods or mesh to concrete must be strong and motionless.

When carrying out concrete reinforcement work, be sure to comply with the manufacturer's requirements. Otherwise, the structure will not be as strong and durable. For the construction of the base, about 200 kg of reinforcement per 1 m will be required³... The material must be of high quality, without rust.

The armature is processed in the following ways:

• a frame is made from rods, which is then moved to the place of work;
• the reinforcement elements are scalded together.

Filling stages:

• prepare the surface, clean it of foreign objects, remove irregularities in the area;
• make the formwork;
• inspect the reinforcement for defects;
• the distance between the steel elements must be the same;
• start pouring concrete;
• after the mixture has frozen, the formwork is removed.

Reference! When pouring concrete, be careful not to create air pockets.

Waterproofing

To increase the strength of concrete structures, various waterproofing materials and technologies are used. Among which:

• roll;
• penetrating;
• coating;
• bulk.

Waterproofing protects the structure from moisture, which can destroy the coating over time.

To strengthen the floor, roll cloths are laid in several layers. The joints between the floor and the wall are pasted over with a special tape.

To strengthen the foundation at home, bituminous mastic is suitable.The thickness of the coating should not exceed 3 mm. After complete drying, apply another layer. The funds fill the gaps, penetrate into the structure, increasing its strength. Special tools may be required for waterproofing.

Choose materials that will provide the best reinforcement for your structure. Subject to the correct choice of one of the described concrete strengthening methods, it will not be difficult to do the work with your own hands.