Concrete Conservation

Concrete, especially reinforced concrete, was the material of choice for many architects and engineers of the modern era. They exploited the material in a multitude of creative and innovative ways. Many of the modern era's most extraordinary structures demonstrate the potential of reinforced concrete and illustrate the material's rapid evolution since the nineteenth century.

Like many modern materials, reinforced concrete has raised new and distinct conservation challenges. These issues relate to:

• lack of understanding of how existing techniques and materials can meet conservation needs,
• current lack of knowledge on the performance and durability of existing repair and treatment solutions vis-à-vis conservation criteria,
• shortage of training opportunities focused on conservation,
• limited access to technical and guidance resources by conservation professionals in various parts of the world

• Increased awareness of how concrete from different eras performs and how it should be conserved
• Improved understanding of the performance and durability of hydrophobic treatments for concrete conservation
• Improved understanding of patch repair techniques and materials selection
• Expanded access to technical information on investigation and repair options appropriate to the conservation of concrete
• Expanded training opportunities for professionals involved in concrete conservation.

Concrete Conservation’s work is conceived in response to needs identified at the 2014 experts meeting and how the field has evolved since. Our approach includes:

• development of a scientific research program to address difficult technical conservation challenges such as patch repair materials and methods, and hydrophobic coatings;
• creation and translation of guidance documents and reference materials for practitioners; and
• development of training modules, webinars and didactic materials for practitioners and educators to build a community of practice for concrete conservation

Project activities are often carried out in partnership with other institutions and professionals dedicated to advancing the field of concrete conservation. New projects are currently being conceptualized to contribute to this work.

Former team members: Simeon Wilkie, Kyle Normandin, Alick Leslie