Imagine overseeing the construction of your dream home, but when the concrete is molded and hardened, small honeycomb-like cavities appear on its surface. That’s called concrete honeycomb. This problem is common in construction and although it may seem trivial, it can have a big impact on the strength and aesthetics of the building.
Now, we will explore thoroughly what concrete honeycomb problems are, what causes them, and how to prevent and solve them. Check it out so that your building stays strong and smooth!
What is concrete honeycomb?
Honeycomb is a condition where freshly cast concrete is not completely solid, so there are small voids in it. This problem is often seen on surfaces that have dried out, resembling a hollow honeycomb, hence the name “honeycomb”.
Why is that? It is usually because the casting process is not good enough or the materials used are not suitable. Although it may seem trivial, these honeycombs can make the concrete structure less strong. For this reason, it is important to know the cause so that it can be avoided. So, what causes these voids in concrete?
Causes of Small Cavities in Concrete
Small cavities in concrete don’t just appear out of nowhere. If not addressed, these cavities can make the concrete less strong and prone to cracking. Well, there are many factors that cause these voids in concrete. Let’s get to know them!
1. Poor Quality of Concrete Mix
The main problem that causes concrete honeycombs to appear is usually due to improper concrete mix or poor quality materials. If it’s too liquid, the concrete will have a hard time sticking and will run everywhere. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, it’s hard to fill the corners of the mold. As a result, there are parts that are empty and become voids.
To be on the safe side, make sure the mix of cement, water, and aggregate is balanced. Not only that, choose good materials so that the concrete does not shrink easily and remains sturdy after being cast.
2. Insufficient Compaction
Concrete that has been cast needs to be compacted so that there is no air in it. If the vibrator process is uneven, air will be trapped in the concrete, which eventually makes voids appear. So, make sure the vibrators are perfect so that all corners of the mold are filled.
3. Too Long Casting Time
Late casting can be a disaster for concrete. If the castings take too long, the concrete can start to harden before it fills the mold properly. Eventually, voids appear here and there. The solution, don’t linger! Make sure the casting is done quickly and precisely so that the results are smooth and strong.
Impact of Honeycomb on Construction Projects
Do not take honeycomb lightly! If left unchecked, this small problem can make the building deteriorate quickly. Let’s see what the impact is so that you can be more vigilant!
1. Reduced Concrete Strength
The presence of concrete honeycombs makes its strength decrease dramatically. So, if there is a heavy load, the concrete cannot support it optimally. The result? The structure becomes more prone to cracking or even breaking down prematurely.
2. Reduced Resistance to Weather and Chemicals
Concrete that is full of voids is more sensitive to weather and chemicals. Water or harmful substances can seep through these voids, corroding the reinforcement inside. This leads to faster deterioration and reduced durability of the concrete.
3. Poor Aesthetics
Apart from making concrete weak, honeycomb also affects the appearance of the building. The hollow surface makes the building look untidy and unaesthetic, especially if the concrete is used on the exterior of the building.
How to Fix Concrete Cavities
If you find honeycombs, don’t panic just yet! There are several ways to overcome them so that the building remains sturdy. Here’s how!
1. Patch with Concrete Repair Materials
The easiest way to seal voids is to use specialized concrete repair materials. These materials are designed to fill the holes and make the concrete solid again.
All you have to do is spread it on or apply it using a spatula or brush. The concrete is smooth again. Don’t forget to follow the instructions for maximum and long-lasting results. One of Estop’s products for light honeycomb problems is Estop Skimcoat. However, if the honeycomb is heavy, then you can use Estogrout MP70 (with formwork) or Estopatch MP (without formwork).
2. Re-cast if necessary
If the honeycomb is severe and numerous, sometimes the best solution is recasting. It is quite complicated, but it is important to keep the structure strong.
Make sure you use quality concrete materials and don’t forget to vibrate properly, so that all corners are filled perfectly and there are no more voids.
3. Use Concrete Bonding Liquid
There is another more practical way, which is to use concrete bonding liquid. This liquid can help strengthen the concrete from the inside by binding the particles. The result? The concrete becomes denser and the risk of honeycombs is reduced. It can also prevent voids from reappearing.
The point is that concrete honeycombs may seem trivial, but they can have a big impact if left unchecked. Fortunately, with the right steps, from ensuring the right concrete mix, to sufficient vibration, to repairs using special materials, this problem can be solved.
So, if you’re working on a construction project, don’t ignore small details like honeycomb! It’s better to prevent it from the start than to have to bother repairing it later on.
Well, for solutions to quality concrete repair materials and binder fluids, PT Hissan Trading Indonesia is ready to help. We provide a variety of the best construction chemicals designed to strengthen and repair concrete structures.
Let’s contact us and make sure your project runs smoothly without problems!
