In the field of modern construction engineering, concrete floor has significant advantages such as high strength, good stability, cost control and strong construction adaptability.It has become the core choice for ground paving in various scenarios such as industrial plants, commercial complexes, municipal roads, residential communities, etc.From factory workshops supporting heavy machinery and equipment, to shopping mall aisles welcoming tens of thousands of customers daily, to community roads ensuring residents’ daily travel, concrete floors are like the “foundation skin” of buildings, silently bearing the repeated crushing of people and vehicles, as well as multiple tests such as changes in environmental temperature and humidity, and erosion by chemical substances. The stability of their performance is directly related to the overall user experience and safe lifespan of the building.
However, in practice, concrete floors often face various defects. These problems not only affect visual aesthetics but can also gradually erode the structural strength of the floor, leading to safety hazards and economic losses. Visiting older industrial plants reveals widespread surface sanding and dusting. Dust raised by movement of personnel and machinery not only pollutes the production environment but can also settle inside precision equipment, affecting its accuracy. In northern regions, where temperature swings are significant, irregular cracks appear on many municipal roads and residential pavements. Rainwater seeps into these cracks, which, through freeze-thaw cycles, widen and eventually lead to damage and potholes. This not only impacts pedestrian comfort but can also cause pedestrian trips and vehicle jolts. In humid environments like basements and underground garages, the lack of impermeability in concrete floors is even more pronounced. Groundwater seepage not only causes moisture to build up in walls and mold growth, but can also corrode underground structural steel, shortening the overall building lifespan. In addition, problems such as uneven ground caused by poor flatness and surface scratches and potholes caused by insufficient wear resistance also frequently occur in different scenarios, becoming key bottlenecks restricting the performance of concrete floors.
Tracing back to the root cause, concrete floor defects and problems are not caused by a single factor, but rather the result of multiple issues, including material selection, mix design, construction technology, environmental conditions, and subsequent maintenance. For example, selecting cement with insufficient strength or using sand and gravel aggregates with excessive mud content can directly lead to insufficient strength in the subgrade, creating potential risks for dust and sand generation. Improper control of the water-cement ratio in mix design can create a large number of capillary voids during the concrete hardening process, reducing the floor’s density and impermeability. Failure to vibrate and maintain the concrete during construction can loosen its internal structure, preventing it from forming a uniform and stable strength system. Furthermore, long-term overloading, frequent exposure to corrosive substances, and a lack of regular maintenance can accelerate floor aging and the development of defects. These interrelated factors contribute to the occurrence and expansion of concrete floor defects and problems.
Faced with the numerous challenges posed by concrete floor defects and problems, how can we scientifically identify defect types, accurately analyze their causes, and develop targeted solutions to help owners and construction professionals address their core concerns? The industry has long engaged in extensive research and practice on the treatment of concrete floor defects and problems, developing a series of proven solutions ranging from material improvements and process optimization to innovative maintenance technologies. For example, cracks can be repaired through the application of specialized repair materials and processes. Sanding and dusting can be addressed by applying cement-based penetrating crystallizing materials and spreading wear-resistant aggregates to improve surface strength. Inadequate impermeability can be addressed by optimizing mix proportions and using penetrating crystallizing inorganic waterproofing agents to block water seepage channels. These solutions are supported by theoretical insights from fields such as concrete material mechanics, structural engineering, and materials science. These include optimizing curing processes based on the principles of concrete hydration reactions, selecting appropriate aggregate and cement types based on material strength theory, and determining crack control measures through structural mechanics analysis. This integration of theory and practice provides a scientific foundation for the treatment of concrete floor defects.
This article systematically examines common types of concrete floor defects, deeply analyzes the formation mechanisms of each type, and elaborates on targeted solutions in stages. Integrating relevant theoretical knowledge, it provides a comprehensive and practical reference for engineering practice. Whether you’re a homeowner, construction professional, project supervisor, or property management manager, this series of articles will provide you with expert knowledge on concrete floor defects and their prevention and treatment, helping to improve the quality of concrete floor projects, extend their service life, and lay a solid foundation for the safe, comfortable, and efficient use of building spaces.
