Reasons for Concrete Restoration in Marine Structures

Just like any concrete structure, marine structures made of concrete are susceptible to corrosion, pitting, cracking, and structural damage. Concrete infrastructure has a limited lifespan, despite its durable and solid feel. And marine environments can put additional pressures on a concrete structure which contribute to degradation and the need for restoration.

Environmental Considerations

The environmental effects of a marine environment on concrete structures are the most obvious reason for a concrete investigation and examination. The movement of water over concrete, whether the smooth, one-way movement of a river, waxing and waning tidal movements, or the relentless pounding of waves, wears down the outer, exposed layer of concrete. Rain water can have a destructive effect on concrete structures over time, so it’s not hard to imagine the effect of water that moves silt and sand or is salty and sometimes violent in its movement.

Risks of Neglect

Concrete structures that are built in marine environments are built to withstand the effects of their environment. However, there’s no way to build a concrete structure that will last forever. Regular inspections should be conducted in order to reduce the likelihood of a tragedy. Concrete structures start to show signs of damage in small ways, but even the smallest cracks can be a sign of a much bigger problem with potentially dramatic effects. Marine structures should be given regular inspections more often than other, non-marine concrete structures.

Restoration Rather Than Replacement

Like so many other applications, the risk of allowing a concrete structure to degrade are not worth taking. In just about every situation, conducting a concrete restoration job will be less expensive and safer than tearing down a structure and starting again. Especially in a marine environment, where construction may be hampered by conditions, conducting regular inspections and routine restoration will be well worth the cost in the long run.