Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This project will build on the success of the ongoing relationship between Read Jones Christofferson Ltd (RJC) and Dr. Rishi Gupta's research group at the Facility for Innovative Materials and Infrastructure Monitoring (FIMIM) at University of Victoria (UVic). The previously completed NSERC Engage grants form the foundation for this project. Debonding of cement-based repairs has been reported to be one of the major issues by several researchers. This project will involve studying the change in the bonding characteristics of three commercially available cementitious repairs materials when exposed to cyclic loading. In addition to the three mixes a 4th mix will be developed that utilizes low cement content and contains fibers treated with a patented technology that improves the bond strength of fibers with the matrix. Another aspect of this project will involve studying the bonding and effectiveness of using waterproofing membranes on new and repaired structural slabs on grade that experience significant vapor drive. This project aims to provide RJC with guidance on selecting different repair materials applied in different climate conditions so as to achieve maximum durability and bonding strength. This project will improve the ability of the research group at UVic for thoroughly evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of different concrete repair systems. Due to the proprietary nature of repair materials, manufacturers are understandably reluctant to provide complete details of their materials and thus there is limited information available to users of these products. This project will give an insight into the proper application of different repair systems in different environmental conditions and into a comprehensive rubric on how to select and modify the repair mix for a superior performance. This project will fill the knowledge gaps left by previous researchers on real application of repair materials in marine environments.